With a smiling message on his official X account, the forward told Klement to make a better effort with his predictions next time. “Mr. Joachim Klement… please try harder at the next World Cup,” with a winking emoji.

Neymar Jr. did not see any minutes on the pitch in the match where Brazil defeated Japan 2–1 with a last-gasp winner. Now, the Selecao will face the winner of the Norway vs. Ivory Coast clash.

Klement’s predictions

Joachim Klement has gained international fame for his remarkably accurate mathematical model used to forecast FIFA World Cup winners. Combining traditional sporting factors like FIFA rankings with complex socio-economic variables, his formula achieved a flawless streak by correctly predicting the last three consecutive global champions: Germany in 2014, France in 2018, and Argentina in 2022.

Brazil await their opponent

Norway or Ivory Coast will be Brazil’s opponent in the Round of 16, with that matchup still to be decided. When and where will it take place? The match will be played on Sunday, July 5 at 4:00 PM ET at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

Speaking in a postgame interview, Ancelotti explained the following situation regarding Neymar. “Why didn’t I put Neymar in? I was waiting for extra time. I discussed it with him: if we didn’t equalize, he would come on in the 60th or 65th minute... It’s just that I didn’t want to change the structure; we had control of the game.” Brazil will now have a clear idea of who they will face in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup and when.

Hence, Neymar was well in the plans for Ancelotti, it just so happened that Gabriel Martinelli’s game-winning goal stopped that plans in its tracks, given that there was no extra time then. This goal prevented Japan to seek their best finish in a World Cup.

Neymar has had limited presence for Brazil in 2026 World Cup

Neymar has played a total of 14 minutes in the 2026 World Cup. He made his tournament debut in the group-stage finale against Scotland on June 24, coming off the bench as a substitute in the 76th minute. He missed Brazil’s first two group matches due to a calf injury.

Hence, even if this is Neymar’s last dance in a World Cup, he is not being very involved with the roster. The calf injury really took many of his options to start, and also made him fall in the pecking order. That doesn’t make him feel less important though. In fact, Neymar celebrated the win over Japan by calling out a mathematician who predicted Brazil to lose.

Ancelotti’s super subs don’t involve Neymar

Ancelotti lost starter Raphinha due to injury, so Rayan has gotten the starting role now. Still, Ancelotti uses Endrick and Martinelli as subs more often than Neymar. For the Italian head coach, the hierarchy puts both Endrick and Martinelli above Neymar’s services. That was seen clearly in the match vs Japan.

Neymar is still a very important part of the roster in terms of experience, World Cup presence, and overall talent. However, this is a stacked team with a loaded attacking unit, so coming off an injury and at 34 years old, it’s not the best of scenarios for the Santos player.

As a result, the Japanese national soccer team’s winless drought in FIFA World Cup knockout-stage matches has continued. Japan made their first-ever World Cup appearance in 1998. Since then, they’ve qualified for every edition of soccer’s biggest competition. However, their journeys have always been cut short. Japan have never won a knockout-stage game. For them, it’s always one-and-done in the elimination round.

In 2026, they had the chance to take down Brazil in the Round of 32 and punch their ticket to the Round of 16, but they squandered a 1-0 lead and watched their hopes come crashing down once again. Japan’s best finish ever was reaching the Round of 16, which they first accomplished in 2002 and repeated in 2010, 2018, and 2022. Meanwhile, Brazil are through to the Round of 16, where they await their next opponent.

Japan are out in first knockout stage game, again

In 2026, they made it to the knockout-stage, but due to the new format, they lost in the new Round of 32. New stage, same old fate. As Japan are taught time and again: the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Some years ago, this may have been enough for the Samurai Blue to call it a success. However, times have changed. Japan vie to become a powerhouse in soccer, and these early eliminations simply aren’t going to cut it.

Obviously, taking on Brazil in the first round of the knockout stage made for a tough challenge, and the loss was nearly expected, but it still hurts in the Land of the Rising Sun. Japan’s knockout-stage losses share a common pattern. They’re always close games. Japan’s eliminations have always come either by one-goal defeats or in penalty shootouts (2010 and 2022). In 2026, it was no different.

Another Japanese heartbreak

It seems Japan are always in for this type of desolation every four years. For whatever reason, they can’t come away with these games. Someday, sure enough, they will get the monkey off their back. For the time being, though, it will follow the Samurai Blue just as faithfully as their loyal fans, who will continue to clean the stands after each game, as well as sweep the pieces of their broken hearts off the floor.

The date, venue, and kickoff time for this intriguing matchup have also been confirmed. The match will be played at the iconic New York New Jersey Stadium (commonly known as MetLife Stadium) on Sunday, July 5, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 PM ET.

Despite being without Raphinha, Carlo Ancelotti’s side overcame a tough challenge and kept its dream of a sixth World Cup title alive. Can Brazil finally lift the trophy at this World Cup?

Martinelli, Brazil’s hero

The match proved to be far from easy for Brazil. In fact, Japan took the lead in the first half thanks to a goal from Sano. However, the Selecao completed the comeback and secured their place in the Round of 16.

Casemiro had equalized with a header midway through the second half. The hero of the day turned out to be Gabriel Martinelli, who scored in the final play of the match to seal a 2–1 victory for his team.

This tough defeat eliminated Japan and brought their World Cup dream to an end. Nevertheless, it was a strong performance from the Samurai Blue, who fought until the very end.

Norway’s key win over Ivory Coast

Norway took the lead in the 39th minute through a brilliant strike from Antonio Nusa, who cut inside from the left and fired a top‑corner rocket that left Yahia Fofana with no chance. Ivory Coast answered in the 74th, as Amad Diallo came off the bench and dribbled past two defenders before leveling the match with a low left‑footed finish across goal.

The decisive moment arrived in the 85th minute, when Erling Haaland punished a defensive lapse inside the box and delivered a clinical strike to seal Norway’s 2–1 win and their place in the Round of 16.

With the defeat, Japan’s inspiring World Cup journey officially comes to a heartbreaking end. The high-stakes reality of the single-elimination bracket means there is no safety net, and the Samurai Blue are the latest powerhouse to be sent packing.

Brazil orchestrated their second-half comeback entirely through the air. Casemiro netted the crucial equalizer in the 56th minute, burying a brilliant, pinpoint cross from defender Gabriel Magalhaes and a late minute goal from Martinelli seal the deal. Japan had previously opened the scoring in spectacular fashion, capitalizing on a crisp midfield interception that led to a clinical, long-range strike from Kaishu Sano.

Even with talisman Neymar left out of the starting lineup, the Brazilian side successfully adjusted their tactical blueprint. Managerial adjustments helped Brazil find the right chemistry on the pitch to bypass a highly disciplined Japanese side that proved to be a brutal defensive nut to crack.

Brazil vs. Japan: By the numbers

To truly understand how this heavyweight bout unfolded, the post-match statistics tell the story of a game dictated by possession, tactical fouls, and eventual Brazilian dominance. Let’s dive into the final box score:

• First half lead: Japan’s Kaishu Sano opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a strike from outside the box.
• The equalizer: Brazil’s Casemiro leveled the game in the 56th minute after a VAR confirmation.
• The heartbreaker: Gabriel Martinelli struck deep into stoppage time (90+6′) to seal the victory for Brazil.
• Bookings (Brazil): Yellow cards for Casemiro (14′) and Danilo (48′).
• Bookings (Japan): Yellow cards for Kaishū Sano (12′), Daichi Kamada (45′), and Junnosuke Suzuki (84′).
• Tournament outcome: Brazil advances to the Round of 16, while Japan is officially eliminated.

Brazil’s next opponent in the Round of 16

With their ticket to the next round officially punched, Brazil now await the winner of the highly anticipated clash between Ivory Coast and Norway. Meanwhile, a resilient Japanese squad will pack their bags and begin shifting their focus toward the next international cycle.

This intriguing match will be officiated by Italian referee Maurizio Mariani, and the winner will face the victor of the clash between Ivory Coast and Norway. Brazil’s future in the competition will depend on whether they win, draw, or lose against the Asian side.

Raphinha will be one of Brazil’s major absentees, while Neymar Jr. will start on the bench. Which of these two teams will continue advancing in the World Cup?

The kits of Brazil and Japan

Both teams will be easily distinguishable from a distance. The difference between the two kits is notable, making it easy to identify both Brazil and Japan on the pitch.

The team coached by Carlo Ancelotti will take the field in its traditional yellow jersey, blue shorts, and white socks with yellow accents. The goalkeeper, meanwhile, will be dressed entirely in purple.

Japan, meanwhile, will wear their away kit: a white jersey with black shorts and socks. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki will be dressed entirely in green. The refereeing team, finally, will wear red.

Combining athleticism and sharp reflexes, he has established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper during the World Cup. With his profile continuing to grow, one storyline stood out: why he decided to play for Japan instead of the U.S?

He is one of several players born abroad who are part of Japan’s 2026 World Cup squad. Eligible to represent also the United States and Ghana, he ultimately chose the Samurai Blue at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

How old is Zion Suzuki?

Zion Suzuki is 23 years old. He was born on August 21, 2002, and has become one of the youngest starting goalkeepers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Despite his age, he already has experience in three different countries. After rising through Urawa Red Diamonds’ academy in Japan, he moved to Belgium with Sint-Truiden before earning a transfer to Serie A side Parma in 2024.

Where was Zion Suzuki born?

Zion Suzuki was born in Newark, New Jersey, United States. Although he was born in America, he moved to Japan with his family as an infant and grew up in Urawa, Saitama. Because of his background, he was eligible to represent the United States, Ghana or Japan at the international level.

How tall is Zion Suzuki?

Zion Suzuki is 1.90 meters (6-foot-3) tall. His height gives him a strong aerial presence while allowing him to cover the goal effectively with his long reach.

He is recognized for his quick reflexes, athleticism and composure in possession, qualities that fit Japan’s modern playing style. His ability to play comfortably with the ball at his feet has also made him an attractive goalkeeper for European clubs.

Who are Zion Suzuki’s parents?

Zion Suzuki was born to a Ghanaian father and a Japanese mother. His multicultural background has made him one of the most recognizable faces of Japan’s national team.

Although he has never publicly revealed many details about his parents, he has often spoken about growing up in Japan after his family relocated there from the United States. His upbringing in Saitama shaped both his identity and his soccer development.

Which club does Zion Suzuki play for?

Zion Suzuki plays for Parma in Italy’s Serie A. He joined the Italian club in July 2024 on a contract running through June 2029. He arrived at Parma after impressing during his time with Belgian side Sint-Truiden.

Parma reportedly paid around €7.5 million for his transfer, making him the first Japanese goalkeeper to play in Serie A. He quickly established himself as the club’s starting goalkeeper in his debut season.

His commanding presence in the box, excellent reflexes and ability to play out from the back have made him a key figure in the club’s return to Italy’s top flight. His performances have also drawn interest from several elite European clubs.

Before moving to Europe, he came through the youth academy at Urawa Red Diamonds, where he won the Emperor’s Cup, the Japanese Super Cup and the AFC Champions League before beginning his overseas career in Belgium.

When did Zion Suzuki make his debut for Japan?

Zion Suzuki made his senior debut for Japan on July 19, 2022. The then-19-year-old started in Japan’s 6-0 victory over Hong Kong in the opening match of the EAFF E-1 Football Championship, becoming the youngest goalkeeper to debut.

He earned his first senior call-up after impressing with Urawa Red Diamonds, having already represented Japan at the U-17, U-20, U-23 and Olympic levels. His strong performances throughout the youth ranks convinced head coach Hajime Moriyasu to include him in the senior squad for the 2022 tournament.

Since making his debut, he has steadily become Japan’s first-choice goalkeeper. After gaining valuable experience during the 2023 and 2024 international windows, he entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the team’s undisputed No. 1.

Zion Suzuki’s career highlights

• Youngest player to sign a professional contract with Urawa Red Diamonds (2019): At just 16 years and five months old, Suzuki became the youngest player in the club’s history to sign a professional contract, highlighting the enormous expectations surrounding him from an early age.

• Professional debut and breakthrough season (2021): Suzuki made his senior debut in the J.League Cup on March 2, 2021, keeping a clean sheet against Shonan Bellmare. He later earned his first J1 League starts and recorded four clean sheets in six league matches, winning the 2021 J.League Cup New Hero Award for the competition’s best young player.

• Winning major trophies with Urawa Red Diamonds: During his time at Urawa, he helped the club capture the 2021 Emperor’s Cup, the 2022 Japanese Super Cup, and the 2022 AFC Champions League, establishing himself as one of Japan’s brightest goalkeeping prospects.

• Senior debut for Japan (2022): On July 19, 2022, he made his debut for the Japanese national team in a 6-0 win over Hong Kong at the EAFF E-1 Football Championship. Japan went on to win the tournament, giving the young goalkeeper his first international title.

• Move to European soccer (2023): Seeking regular first-team soccer, he joined Belgian side Sint-Truiden. He quickly became the club’s starting goalkeeper, making 32 league appearances and proving he could compete successfully in Europe.

• Historic transfer to Parma (2024): In July 2024, Parma signed Suzuki on a long-term deal, making him the first Japanese goalkeeper to play in Serie A. He immediately earned the starting role and played a key part in the club’s campaign in Italy’s top flight.

• Becoming Japan’s No. 1 goalkeeper: After progressing through every youth level of the national team, Suzuki cemented his place as Japan’s first-choice goalkeeper under Hajime Moriyasu. His performances during the World Cup have further enhanced his reputation as one of the game’s top young goalkeepers.

Japan earned its spot after an impressive campaign that once again proved it can compete with the world’s elite, even if Takefusa Kubo isn’t starting. Houston is welcoming one of the most anticipated matches of the Round of 32, with Houston Stadium expected to be packed for Brazil vs. Japan.

The city has embraced the World Cup atmosphere with fan events, watch parties and large gatherings ahead of kickoff at 1 PM ET. Other details have already been confirmed, including the selected referee for Brazil vs. Japan and the kits each team will wear. Brazil will use their home kit while Japan wear a white shirt.

What is the expected attendance for Brazil vs Japan?

Brazil vs. Japan is expected to be played in front of a near-capacity crowd of around 69,000 fans at Houston Stadium, making it one of the best-attended Round of 32 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Needless to say, many of them are probably hoping to see Neymar, who isn’t starting but will be on the bench as a substitute. Raphinha, on the other hand, is entirely missing the Japan game.

Although FIFA does not announce official attendance figures until after kickoff, local organizers and ticket demand point to a packed house for one of the tournament’s marquee knockout fixtures.

Houston Stadium, known as NRG Stadium outside FIFA competitions, has a World Cup capacity of 68,777 spectators after temporary seating adjustments. The venue has already welcomed large crowds throughout the group stage.

Demand has been fueled by the global appeal of both teams, particularly Brazil. Hundreds of fans gathered at Waterwall Park for an official fan celebration on Sunday, while organized fan walks and events continued around the city.

The high demand has also been reflected in the ticket market. According to the Houston Chronicle, resale tickets climbed to nearly $1,000 before kickoff, underscoring the anticipation surrounding one of the standout fixtures.

What is the weather forecast for Brazil vs Japan today?

The weather forecast calls for hot and sunny conditions outside the stadium, but the match itself is expected to be played in comfortable temperatures thanks to the venue’s retractable roof and climate-controlled interior.

Houston is experiencing a typical Texas summer day, with temperatures expected to reach around 91°F (33°C) near kickoff. While the heat index could climb above 100°F (38°C) because of the humidity, rain is not expected to affect the match.

Recent forecasts also indicate that dry air associated with Saharan dust has lowered the chance of precipitation across southeast Texas. The weather outside should have little impact once the players take the field.

FIFA has also introduced additional heat-management measures for the 2026 World Cup. Every match includes mandatory three-minute hydration breaks in each half, regardless of the weather, to help players recover.

If severe weather becomes a threat, FIFA also follows strict safety protocols, including suspending play if lightning is detected within eight miles of the stadium. However, Houston Stadium features a climate-controlled environment.

The Santos star saw some minutes of action in his last match against Scotland after missing the first two games due to injury. Perhaps the lack of match fitness is one of the reasons why the Italian manager is opting for other names to face Japan at Houston Stadium.

Raphinha is one of Brazil’s major absentees and will not be available for his teammates due to injury. Japan are aiming to pull off a shock, so an extremely exciting match is expected in Houston.

What injury did Neymar Jr. suffer?

Prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Neymar Jr. suffered a grade two right calf muscle injury on May 17, 2026, while playing for Santos against Curitiba—just one day after Brazil announced their tournament squad. This injury sidelined him for the first two group stage matches of the tournament, forcing him to watch from the bench during Brazil‘s draw against Morocco and their 4-0 victory over Haiti while undergoing an intensive rehabilitation program.

He finally made his emotional return to action on June 24, 2026, coming off the bench in the 76th minute of Brazil’s 3-0 win against Scotland to help secure the top spot in Group C.

Japan also have a key absence

Takefusa Kubo will not play this match for Japan as he was unable to recover from his knee injury. Although the Blue Samurai’s FIFA ranking is lower than Brazil’s, the Asian side is determined to pull off a major upset in the tournament.

FIFA has appointed Italian referee Maurizio Mariani to officiate Monday’s knockout match between Neymar‘s country and Japan. The experienced Serie A official has already taken charge of two games at the 2026 World Cup. Mariani will wear a red shirt while Brazil play in blue and Japan use their alternative uniform.

As millions of fans tune in to watch one of the most anticipated matches of the knockout stage, attention will inevitably turn to the man with the whistle, as well as where Brazil and Japan are playing and the kits the stars will wear.

What is Maurizio Mariani’s refereeing style?

Maurizio Mariani is known for his balanced and composed refereeing style, preferring to manage matches through communication before resorting to disciplinary action. He is not considered one of Europe’s strictest referees.

Over the last 12 months, he has averaged 3.34 yellow cards per match and just two red cards across 32 appearances in all competitions, highlighting his tendency to keep matches under control without excessive interruptions.

He has built an impressive résumé since becoming a FIFA-listed referee in 2019. He was promoted to UEFA’s Elite category in 2024, officiated the 2025 Coppa Italia final, and also took charge of the FIFA U-20 World Cup final.

At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he has already overseen Saudi Arabia‘s 1-1 draw with Uruguay and Colombia‘s 1-0 victory over DR Congo before being selected for the Round of 32 meeting between Brazil and Japan.

Who are the assistant referees and VAR officials for Brazil vs Japan?

Daniele Bindoni and Alberto Tegoni will serve as the assistant referees for Brazil vs Japan. Both officials are fellow Italians and have regularly worked alongside Maurizio Mariani in Serie A and UEFA competitions.

Swiss referee Sandro Scharer has been appointed as the fourth official for the Round of 32 clash, while Costa Rica’s Juan Mora will act as the reserve assistant referee. FIFA assembles multinational officiating teams for the knockout matches. Italian Marco Di Bello will be in charge of VAR duties.

Kubo suffered a meniscus tear in his left knee during his national team’s 2026 World Cup debut against the Netherlands. Hajime Moriyasu told the press that, although he is recovering well, the winger will not be available from the beginning for Japan vs. Brazil at Houston Stadium.

“He’s still only doing individual running [and] training, so he’s not going to play in the match against Brazil,” the manager said via ESPN.com. “We really wish for him to recover swiftly, and he wishes it too.”

Japan, the underdogs

Japan’s current FIFA ranking places them well below their opponent. Is that enough to rule out their chances? Definitely not. In fact, the Blue Samurai are aiming to shock Brazil and pull off an upset in this tournament.

“In the world, Brazil are ranked at the top while Japan are not ranked that high — that is the way it is,” Moriyasu said ahead of the game that will determine whether Brazil or Japan make the Round of 16. “We are aiming to win the World Cup but we haven’t been at that level before. Of course, some people look at us and feel we’ve been doing well.“

He also added: “Brazil are always a leading team. They have a very good chance of winning. Some people will say Japan are underdogs. We will play with that in mind. We will respect the opponents but like last year [in the friendly win] we weren’t given a chance to win. This possibility to win — we can change history.“

Japan’s offensive line

For the upcoming match against Brazil, and with Zion Suzuki as their goalkeeper, Japan will deploy a potent offensive lineup spearheaded by Ayase Ueda as the lone reference striker up front. To unlock the Brazilian defense, the Samurai Blue will rely heavily on a dynamic supporting trio: Daichi Kamada pulling the strings in the playmaker role, alongside the blistering pace and clinical movement of Daizen Maeda and Keito Nakamura on the flanks.

Japan’s starting lineup: Zion Suzuki; Shogo Taniguchi, Hiroki Ito, Takehiro Tomiyasu; Ritsu Doan (C), Daizen Maeda, Keito Nakamura, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Kaishu Sano; Ayase Ueda.