Zico Expresses Support for Brazil but Acknowledges Japan's Strength Ahead of World Cup Clash

As Brazil gears up to face Japan in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026, legendary player Zico expresses his unwavering support for Brazil while also acknowledging Japan's impressive football evolution. He reflects on his emotional past as Japan's coach during their previous World Cup encounter and highlights the strong ties his family has with Japanese football. With Brazil coming off a victory against Scotland and Japan aiming to progress beyond the last 16, this match promises to be an exciting showdown. Zico's insights shed light on the competitive spirit of both teams, making this clash one to watch.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 28, 2026, 11:04 IST

Zico's Dual Support Ahead of Brazil vs. Japan Match

As Brazil prepares to face Japan in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026, legendary Brazilian footballer Arthur Antunes Coimbra, known as Zico, has expressed his unwavering support for his home country. However, he also mentioned that he wouldn't be disheartened if Japan were to pull off an upset, highlighting the close ties his family has with Japanese football.

In a recent post on X, Zico stated, "If Brazil wins against Japan, that's fantastic because I'm Brazilian. But if they lose, I won't feel sad, as my family has a connection to Japanese football." Zico, who played for Kashima Antlers and is credited with helping shape modern professional football in Japan alongside his brother Eduardo "Edu" Antunes Coimbra, believes Japan has evolved into a strong competitor on the global stage. He remarked, "I will support Brazil, but if Japan wins, that's fine too. It promises to be an exciting match, as Japan plays quality football."

Path to the Knockout Stage

Brazil enters this match with confidence after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Scotland, which secured their spot in the Round of 32. Neymar's return to form, along with key contributions from Vinicius Jr. and Matheus Cunha, has been pivotal for the team. On the other hand, Japan secured their knockout stage position by finishing second in Group F, achieving one win and two draws, including a 1-1 tie against Sweden. The Samurai Blue are determined to advance past the Round of 16 for the first time since reaching that stage in 2002, 2010, 2018, and 2022.

Reflecting on the 2006 Encounter

This upcoming match marks only the second time Brazil and Japan will meet in a FIFA World Cup, with Brazil having won their previous encounter 4-1 in Germany in 2006, when Zico was the head coach of the Japanese team. Reflecting on that memorable match, Zico shared, "It was indeed emotional. I told my players I would sing the Brazilian anthem before the game, as I learned in school, but once the match started, I was fully with Japan. I thought of Didi, who won two World Cups with Brazil and coached Peru against Brazil in 1970. It was a challenging experience."

Japan's Football Growth

Zico, now 73, emphasized Japan's significant advancements since their World Cup debut in 1998, noting that many Japanese players now compete in top European leagues. He stated, "Japan has reached a higher competitive level. Their players are moving to Europe, similar to Brazilian and South American players. Out of the 26 players in the World Cup squad, 23 are playing in Europe, competing in leagues like the Bundesliga, Serie A, and the Premier League."

He added, "Among the three players who play domestically, two are goalkeepers, and the other is Yuto Nagatomo, who serves as a leader and experienced presence in the squad. This is his fifth World Cup." Japan narrowly missed reaching the quarterfinals in both 2018 and 2022, losing to Belgium and Croatia, respectively. Zico believes these experiences have fortified the team's mentality, stating, "Japan is ready to face any opponent. They have recently defeated Brazil, Germany, Spain, and England. They are truly prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead."