The Brazil national team returns to action for a friendly against Japan next Saturday, November 14. The match is scheduled for 07:15 local time at the National Stadium in Tokyo and serves as preparation for upcoming official fixtures.
This will be the first meeting between the two sides since the 2026 World Cup, where Brazil won 2-1 on June 29. The team led by Dorival Júnior arrives for this test in good form, with two consecutive wins in their most recent outings. Their last performance was convincing, a 4-0 victory over India on October 3, with goals from Estevão, Pedro and a brace from Samuel Lino. In that match, the goals came in the 28th minute from Estevão, assisted by Matheuzinho, in the 42nd from Pedro, assisted by Estevão, and in the 58th and 90+5th from Samuel Lino, assisted by Pedro and Mauro Junior respectively.
Preparation context
The friendly comes during a positive phase for Brazil, who have two wins and a draw from their last three matches. After a 1-1 draw with Australia on September 25, the team beat the same opponent 4-2 on September 29 and thrashed India. In the 4-2 win over Australia, Brazil's goals were scored by Vanderson in the 3rd minute, Raphinha from a penalty in the 45th, Bruno Guimarães in the 69th and Vinicius Junior from a penalty in the 80th. Vinícius Júnior, the top scorer this season with four goals in five appearances, will be a key part of the attack.
Japan, meanwhile, have been using a 3-4-2-1 tactical setup, as seen in their last match against New Zealand on October 5. The clash in Tokyo will allow Dorival Júnior to test options and solidify the starting eleven he has been fielding in a 4-3-3 formation. The coach has not made specific statements about this game, but the technical staff have been working on defensive and offensive aspects that need fine-tuning.
The last victory over India showed a diversified attack, with assists from Matheuzinho, Estevão, Pedro and Mauro Junior. The midfield featuring Bruno Guimarães, who scored against Australia, and the centre-back pairing are expected to remain. The match against Japan is the last of the current international window before players return to their clubs.
