Japan have been knocked out of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Samurai Blue finished runner-up in Group F and faced Group C winners Brazil in the Round of 32 at NRG Stadium in Houston on 29 June 2026, losing 2-1.
Sano put Japan ahead, but Casemiro levelled and a stoppage-time Martinelli strike sent Brazil through to the Round of 16.
When and Where Japan Played Brazil
At the FIFA World Cup 2026, Group F paired with Group C in the Round of 32. Japan finished second in Group F, so they faced the Group C winners: Brazil.
Japan reached the knockouts on five points, drawing 2-2 with the Netherlands, beating Tunisia 4-0 and drawing 1-1 with Sweden on the final day.
The full table sits in the Group F fixtures and host cities and Japan’s match schedule at the World Cup.
| Round of 32 Fixture | Details |
|---|---|
| Opponent | Brazil (Group C winners) |
| Japan’s finish | Group F runner-up |
| Result | Brazil 2-1 Japan (29 June 2026) |
| Venue | NRG Stadium, Houston |
For results and kick-off times across the knockout rounds, see the full World Cup 2026 schedule.
What Japan Were Up Against
Brazil topped Group C on seven points, edging Morocco on goal difference, with Scotland third and Haiti out. The Group C teams and fixtures page has the full picture.
- The opponent: Brazil arrived as the top seed, with Vinícius Júnior driving the attack, and proved too strong in Houston. Their match schedule at the World Cup tracks the rest of their run.
- The history: Japan and Brazil first met at a World Cup in the 2006 group stage, which Brazil won 4-1. They met again in this 2026 Round of 32, with Brazil winning 2-1.
- Japan’s run: the Samurai Blue’s giant-killing wins over Germany and Spain in 2022 set a high bar, and reaching the knockouts again in 2026 confirmed their place among the game’s risers.
The same fixture from Brazil’s side is covered in Brazil’s Round of 32 opponent guide.
Featured image: Japan supporters at the 2022 World Cup, by حسین ظهروند (Hossein Zohrevand), CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Japan play in the Round of 32?
Brazil. Japan finished runner-up in Group F and lost 2-1 to the Group C winners at NRG Stadium in Houston on 29 June 2026.
Have Japan and Brazil met at the World Cup before?
Yes. They first met in the 2006 group stage, when Brazil won 4-1, and again in the 2026 Round of 32 in Houston, which Brazil won 2-1.
Are Japan still in the World Cup?
No. Japan lost 2-1 to Brazil in the Round of 32 on 29 June 2026 and have been eliminated.
Sources
- FIFA World Cup 2026 Standings and Brackets
- 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage
- 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F
- 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C
- ESPN 2026 World Cup match schedule and bracket
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
