Japan — Brazil : Match Preview and Prediction for October 14,2025

Japan’s Road to the World Cup

Hajime Moriyasu’s Japan national team confidently secured their spot at the upcoming World Cup, dominating the third round of Asian qualifiers in Group C. The ‘Samurai Blue’ finished four points clear of Australia, leading the qualification campaign from start to finish.

Recent Performance and Draws

Currently, the Asian powerhouse is engaged in a series of October home friendlies against South American nations, all of whom have also qualified for the World Cup. In their recent clash against Paraguay, Japan twice had to come from behind, despite creating more significant chances. They conceded two goals from just two shots on target, resulting in a 2-2 draw.

Squad Updates and Injury Concerns for Japan

Feyenoord striker Ueda salvaged a draw for the 2022 World Cup Round of 16 participants in stoppage time. The team now moves to the capital for their highly anticipated encounter with the ‘Seleção’. For this fixture, the Japanese coach will be without several key players due to injury, including Endo, Ito, Tomiyasu, and Machida. Mitoma and Itakura are also unavailable for selection, while winger Take Kubo, who missed the match against Paraguay due to an ankle injury, makes his return. Despite Kubo’s return, the hosts still face significant squad challenges.

Brazil’s Qualification and Ancelotti’s Influence

Brazil underwent several coaching changes throughout their CONMEBOL qualification campaign, but ultimately, the ‘Seleção’ will head to the World Cup under the guidance of the renowned Carlo Ancelotti. Even with the national team, Ancelotti is known to rely on players from his former club, Real Madrid, both past and present. Vinicius Jr., Casemiro, Éder Militão, and Rodrygo all started in a recent friendly against South Korea in Seoul, where they convincingly defeated another World Cup participant by a dominant 5-0 scoreline.

Dominant Friendlies and Squad Depth

A brace from Rodrygo and a goal from Chelsea’s new signing Estevão (hailed by some as the ‘new Neymar’) quickly forced the Asian side into submission. Now, Brazil faces Japan, with Ancelotti missing two primary goalkeepers, Ederson and Alisson (though this wasn’t an issue against South Korea), along with versatile defender Marquinhos and André Santos. Nevertheless, Ancelotti boasts a deep squad, and the Italian tactician will undoubtedly find suitable replacements for these absences.