Japan XI vs Brazil - Predicted lineup and team news

Japan will face Brazil at Houston Stadium on Monday evening, aiming for their first-ever World Cup knockout-stage win against the five-time champions. In the World Cup last 32, Hajime Moriyasu’s side finished Group F as runners-up on five points and remained unbeaten across three matches. Japan previously beat Brazil 3-2 in a friendly in Tokyo last October, a result that came with Brazil using a second-string defence. Japan’s squad has key absences and doubts: Takefusa Kubo is out with a knee injury, and Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino were not in the tournament squad. Ko Itakura is a doubt after being substituted before half-time against Sweden. Daichi Kamada returns to the front three, with Kaishu Sano replacing him in midfield and Ritsu Doan reverting to wing-back; Shōgo Taniguchi could start if Itakura fails.