World Cup 2026: Brazil and Japan Starting Lineups

Carlo Ancelotti has opted for an ambitious 4-3-3, featuring an attacking line led by Vinícius Júnior, Matheus Cunha and Rayan, supported by a midfield trio of Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá. In defense, Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães, flanked by Danilo and Douglas Santos, form a solid block in front of goalkeeper Alisson.

Opposite them, Hajime Moriyasu favors a 3-4-2-1 system for Japan, looking to control midfield with Daichi Kamada, Kaishu Sano, Ritsu Doan and Keito Nakamura. The attack is built around Ayase Ueda as the central striker, supported by wingers Junya Ito and Daizen Maeda. The back three is led by Takehiro Tomiyasu, Shogo Taniguchi and Hiroki Itō, with Zion Suzuki in goal.

The replacement options on both sides also provide interesting depth, notably for Brazil with Neymar, Ederson and Fabinho among the substitutes, while Japan have players such as Takefusa Kubo and Yuto Nagatomo in reserve.

Reading Brazil’s lineup

Brazil rely on a classic 4-3-3 structure, emblematic of their attacking and technical style of play. Goalkeeper Alisson protects the net, behind a back four made up of Danilo on the right, Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães in central defense, and Douglas Santos on the left. This experienced line must both contain Japan’s attacks and start play from the back.

In midfield, Casemiro plays an essential role as the defensive pivot, combined with Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá to create a balance between ball-winning and forward movement. This trio combines stability and creativity.

Up front, the attacking impact comes from Vinícius Júnior, Matheus Cunha and the breakthrough player Rayan. Vinícius and Cunha bring pace and direct running on the wings, while Rayan completes this dynamic attacking line. The presence of Neymar and Ederson among the substitutes gives Ancelotti options to adjust the game plan during the match.

Reading Japan’s lineup

Japan set up in a 3-4-2-1 system, particularly compact in midfield, with four midfielders covering the full width of the pitch. Daichi Kamada and Kaishu Sano play key roles in ball recovery and distribution, supported by Ritsu Doan and Keito Nakamura for creativity and attacking support.

The back three, led by Takehiro Tomiyasu, Shogo Taniguchi and Hiroki Itō, must provide disciplined coverage and allow the wide players to take part in the attacking game.

In attack, Ayase Ueda as the central striker offers a focal point, assisted by wingers Junya Ito and Daizen Maeda, who bring pace and penetration on the flanks. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki completes this compact and mobile setup, designed to withstand Brazilian attacks while exploiting space in behind on the counter.

Substitutes such as Takefusa Kubo or Yuto Nagatomo provide technical and tactical options that could change the team’s shape depending on the needs of the match.