Five-time world champions Brazil arrive in Japan oozing confidence after defeating South Korea 5-0 in Seoul, where the Selecao attack flowed with precision and ease.
Esteban and Rodrygo each scored twice while Vinicius Junior completed the rout as Carlo Ancelotti’s side reminded everyone of the their talent and class.
Their next challenge brings nostalgia because Japan host them on the same soil where Brazil lifted the 2002 World Cup. That memory alone gives this friendly a deeper meaning for Ancelotti’s side ahead of 2026.
But the game won't be an easy one, with Japan unbeaten in their past fourteen outings at home. They also finished their World Cup qualifying campaign top of Group C.
The Samurai Blue recently showed their quality again in a 2-2 draw against Paraguay where Ritsu Doan led an energetic attack that pressed relentlessly.
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Japan vs. Brazil lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, rosters
Hajime Moriyasu could stick to 3-4-2-1 formation against Brazil. The 57-year-old is likely to trust the core of players who have guided the team through an unbeaten home run of fourteen matches.
Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki is likely to continue between the posts, while Ayumu Seko, Tsuyoshi Watanabe and Junnosuke Suzuki could form a back three.
The midfield is likely to have Junya Ito on the right and Keito Nakamura on the left and Kaishu Sano and Ao Tanaka are expected to control the central areas with quick distribution and pressing energy.
Takumi Minamino and Ritsu Doan will act as creative link players supporting striker Koki Ogawa who is coming off a goal against Paraguay.
Liverpool's Wataru Endo, Celtic's Daizen Maeda, and Ajax defender Ko Itakura were initially in the squad, but all three withdrew due to injury. Daiki Hashioka was added as a replacement.
Japan predicted lineup (3-4-2-1, right to left): Suzuki (GK) —Seko, Watanabe, J. Suzuki — Ito, Sano, Tanaka, Nakamura — Doan, Minamino — Ogawa
Japan full roster
Goalkeepers: Zion Suzuki, Keisuke Osako, Tomoki Hayakawa
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo, Shogo Taniguchi, Ayumu Seko, Tsuyoshi Wantanabe, Tomoya Ando, Junnosuke Suzuki, Daiki Hashioka
Midfielders: Takumi Minamino, Junya Ito, Ritsu Doan, Takefusa Kubo, Daichi Kamada, Keito Nakamura, Yuki Soma, Kaishu Sano, Joel Chima Fujita, Henry Heroki Mochizuki, Koki Saito
Forwards: Ayase Ueda, Shuto Machino, Koki Ogawa.
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Brazil are expected to name a strong side for their friendly against Japan with Ancelotti continuing to assess his options ahead of the next year World Cup.
According to Globo, the lineup could well be the same as the South Korea game except for the goalkeeper. Hugo Souza of Corinthians is tipped to be given a chance as Ancelotti reportedly wants a penalty specialist in his roster for next summer.
That means the back four could be more or less the same and are likely to feature Vitinho, Eder Militao, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Douglas Santos. Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes are expected to control the midfield and further forward, Estevao, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha should lead the attack as Brazil aim to continue their strong run of form.
Brazil predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ederson (GK) — Vitinho, Militao, Gabriel, Douglas Santos — Casemiro, Guimaraes — Estevao, Rodrygo, Vinicius — Cunha
Brazil full roster
Goalkeepers: Bento, Ederson, Hugo Souza
Defenders: Caio Henrique, Carlos Augusto, Douglas Santos, Eder Militao, Fabricio Bruno, Gabriel Magalhaes, Beraldo, Vanderson, Wesley
Midfielders: Andre, Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Joao Gomes, Joelinton, Lucas Paqueta
Forwards: Estevao, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Jesus, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Richarlison, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior.
Japan vs. Brazil match details
- Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
- Kickoff time: 7:30 p.m. local / 11:30 a.m. BST
- Location: Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo (Japan)
- Competition: International Friendly
- Referee: TBA