Japan set for Brazil clash after Sweden draw, Ancelotti's press pays off

Japan in the round of 32, and Ancelotti's press is carrying Brazil

Japan drew 1–1 with Sweden on Thursday night and finished second in Group F (5) (7) (11). That sets up Brazil versus Japan on Monday in Houston, a round-of-32 knockout (4) (5). The last meeting, an October 2025 friendly, Japan won (6). That result is worth remembering now.

One in four Brazil goals come from pressing

Carlo Ancelotti has been blunt about it. His side is not flowing yet, but the numbers back the plan. A quarter of all Brazil goals at this World Cup, including warm-ups against Egypt and Panama, have come directly from winning the ball high up (1).

"Attitude and fight have never been missing from this team," Ancelotti said after the Scotland win. "We made mistakes in other areas, like quality in the game. But so many of our goals in these first matches came from stolen balls. A stolen ball also shows the right attitude in recovery" (1).

Vini Jr, Matheus Cunha, and Rayan have all benefited from that press.

Militão: "Ancelotti is a very wise guy"

Éder Militão, sidelined through injury, gave a window into Ancelotti's Brazil. "He's a very wise guy, he sees things, listens a lot to the players and shares ideas. That's fundamental" (2).

He also warned about Japan. "They are a very tough opponent. They keep the ball, they have quality" (2). Bruno Guimarães and Casemiro are expected to anchor the midfield shape against that threat.

Arsenal want Bruno Guimarães, Newcastle say no

Arsenal have tabled a £55m bid for Bruno Guimarães (3). Newcastle rejected it, but a second offer is anticipated after the World Cup. The midfielder has been one of Brazil's most consistent players in the group stage.

Netherlands take the other path

Netherlands beat Tunisia to win Group F and will face Morocco in the round of 32 (9). That means they avoid Brazil until at least the semifinals, if both get that far.

Brazil and Argentina on the same side of the draw

The bracket is taking shape. Ecuador qualified from Group B, and with Brazil on the same half as Argentina, a semifinal between the two is now a live scenario (12). Canada and South Africa are also in that half.

Fan reactions

Fans on Reddit are already locked in on Monday's matchup, with one thread simply titled "So it's gonna be Brazil vs Japan in Round of 32 on June 29" (reddit). Another discussion has gone deep on Vini Jr's World Cup scoring record, noting he has five goals, tied with Garrincha, Zico, Romário, and Sócrates, and more than Ronaldinho and Kaká combined (reddit). A separate post confirms Brazil has sent a letter to FIFA protesting Vini Jr's disallowed goal and asking for consistent VAR application, citing Messi's first goal against Austria as a comparison (reddit).