Brazil vs Japan

Tips, Stats and Odds

Match Preview

Brazil are the odds-on favourites for Monday's FIFA World Cup clash against Japan at 1.81 with Japan set at 4.86 and the draw 3.7. Both teams have good form behind them, but we've predicted Brazil to get the win in what should be a cagey fixture at the Houston Stadium, USA. Carlo Ancelotti has been Brazil's manager since 26 May 2025 and already his influence has made the Selecao a more structured side with much sharper counter-pressing than we had grown used to seeing under his predecessor. Brazil's 4-3-3 is fluid, meaning they can switch to a 4-1-3-2 or 4-1-4-1 formation in a jiffy, launching attacks on the wings with their wingers and full backs, and counter-pressing when they lose the ball. Japan are built on a completely different foundation. Hajime Moriyasu has been in charge of the Blue Samurai since 26 July 2018. His is a system that relies on a high press and keeping the spaces between the lines tight, using pace to counterattack in vertical movements after winning the ball. This is a clash of styles between two teams in form. Brazil come into this game on the back of a 5 game unbeaten run in the FIFA World Cup (W4, D1) while Japan are unbeaten in their last 5 (W3, D2). Across all competitions, Brazil have 6 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats from their last 10 (W6, D2, L2) and Japan are currently 7 wins and 3 draws in 10 (W7, D3), unbeaten and a potentially dangerous team. Japan won the last meeting between these nations 3-2 8 months ago in a game of two halves. Since then, Brazil have won their last 2 matches 3-0 against Haiti (home) and Scotland (away), so the attack is firing and the defence is holding up. We can't look beyond Brazil for this game, but Japan's unbeaten run and structured system means this isn't going to be a runaway affair. We think the best play is Under 2.5 Goals at 1.82 and Both Teams to Score - No at 1.83.