Brazil will have a chance to get revenge when they face Japan in the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup. This match will show how much Carlo Ancelotti's team has improved since their defeat to Japan in Tokyo. Last October, five-time World Cup winners Brazil lost 3-2 to Japan, having led 2-0. Brazil conceded three goals in the space of 20 minutes. It was Japan's first win over Brazil in 14 games against the South American team. Now, it will be clear whether Ancelotti, who left Real Madrid to take charge of the Brazilian team, has instilled in this team the dream of winning the World Cup. Brazil's performance was poor before the arrival of this Italian coach. That is why Brazil finished fifth in the South American World Cup qualifiers. This is the team's worst performance in the qualifiers so far. The Brazilian team has been coached by four coaches during the qualification process. Ancelotti also had a 5-day international break to select a 26-member squad for this World Cup. In the meantime, Brazil had already overcome the challenges of Asian, European and African teams.

Brazil's first test during that period was against South Korea. The match in Seoul was easily won 5-0. In the match in Tokyo, Brazil also seemed to be heading for an easy victory with a two-goal lead. But Japan played brilliantly in the second half. Brazil had to accept a very bad and unforgettable defeat.

The story of the knockout stage match on Monday will be different. Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu says, ‘I think Brazil will be even more motivated to win when they face our team.’ Japan drew 1-1 with Sweden in their final Group F match. The team finished second. Before that, they made a comeback against the Netherlands and drew.

Coach Horiyasu adds, ‘The next Brazilian team will be different. We are also ready to face the challenge of this game.’ The Japanese team itself has been different since that match against Brazil. Wataru Endo, Kaoru Mitotama, Takefusa Kubo and Minamino are not in the current team due to injuries. The defense of the Brazilian team that arrived in Tokyo is not in Ancelotti’s current team.

The Brazilian team’s performance has improved a lot since the 1-1 draw against Morocco. Vinicius Junior has scored four goals. Similarly, Neymar has played for Brazil in the space of three years. After the 3-0 defeat to Scotland, Ancelotti said, ‘We are certainly not perfect.’ But the team has definitely improved. In particular, the pace of the team has become more aggressive.’

He adds, ‘I am grateful for the way the team has improved.’ Now the knockout stages of the World Cup have begun, so we have to prove what our team is really like.’

When Brazil and Japan meet, there will also be a background of friendly history. Former Brazilian player Zico has a big hand in increasing football relations between the two countries. He played for Flamengo, Udinese and Brazil. Later, he reversed his decision to retire and played for Sumitomo Metal. After this, he continued to contribute to the development of Japanese football. Zico also took charge of Japan's national team from 2002 to 2006. Zico was the coach of the Japanese team at the 2006 World Cup. Japan was eliminated in the group stage after losing to Brazil in the league stage.