Brazil stands alone as the only nation to have participated in all 22 editions of the FIFA World Cup™ since its inception in 1930. With five titles to their name, they remain the most successful team in the tournament’s history. Widely known as the "Selecao," Brazil have produced countless footballing icons such as PELE and ZICO, and truly embody the spirit of the footballing kingdom. Yet, despite consistently being among the tournament favourites, Brazil have not lifted the trophy since the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan™. During the CONMEBOL qualifiers for next year’s tournament, there were even murmurs of a potential early exit following a spell of poor form.

The qualifiers began positively with two consecutive victories, but Matchday 3 saw them held to a home draw against Venezuela, followed by a run of three straight defeats. On Matchday 6, Brazil suffered a 0–1 loss to Argentina – their first ever home defeat in World Cup qualifying history. Although they remained within the automatic qualification spots (top six), a heavy 1–4 away defeat to Argentina in March heightened concerns. However, on Matchday 16 in June, a decisive goal from Vinicius JUNIOR (Real Madrid/Spain) sealed a 1–0 victory over Paraguay, confirming their qualification as they eventually finished fifth.

This turbulence extended to their managerial situation. Following Brazil’s quarter-final exit at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, manager TITE stepped down. In the aftermath, three different managers took charge in quick succession. Then, in May of this year, the appointment of Italian coach Carlo ANCELOTTI was officially confirmed. A managerial legend with an impeccable CV, Ancelotti has led clubs in all of Europe’s top five leagues to domestic league titles and has won the UEFA Champions League with both AC Milan (Italy) and Real Madrid (Spain). It was under his stewardship that Brazil ultimately secured their World Cup berth.

While the qualifiers were far from smooth, Ancelotti can now call upon a squad brimming with talent from Europe’s elite clubs. In attack, the likes of the aforementioned Vinicius, RAPHINHA (FC Barcelona/Spain), and Gabriel MARTINELLI (Arsenal/England) featured across the final four qualifying matches. At the back, the defence was anchored by goalkeeper ALISSON (Liverpool FC/England) and centre-back MARQUINHOS (Paris Saint-Germain/France).

Japan have faced Brazil more often than any other South American side but remain winless in 13 meetings, with two draws and eleven defeats. MORIYASU Hajime, manager of the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team), commented on Brazil’s formidable quality: "Every player is exceptional in every aspect of the game, and they have the resilience to play their football even under intense pressure." Precisely because they are such formidable opponents, a victory against Brazil would provide Japan with a major confidence boost and represent a significant step forward in their preparations for the year ahead.

Results of last 5 matches
(H: Home, A: Away, N: Neutral ground, ○: Win, △: Draw, ●: Loss)

Record against Japan

11 wins 2 draws (35 goals, 5 against)

Results at the FIFA World Cup™

Appearances: 22
Titles: 5

1930　Group stage
1934　1st Round
1938　3rd Place
1950　Runners-up
1954　Quarterfinals
1958　Winners
1962　Winners
1966　Group stage
1970　Winners
1974　4th Place
1978　3rd Place
1982　Group stage (2nd Round)
1986　Quarterfinals
1990　Round of 16
1994　Winners
1998　Runners-up
2002　Winners
2006　Quarterfinals
2010　Quarterfinals
2014　4th Place
2018　Quarterfinals
2022　Quarterfinals

Data on the opposing country

◇FIFA Rankings (as of 10 July 2025): 5th
◇Record against Japan: 11 wins 2 draws (35 goals, 5 against)

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