The Brazilian national team takes to the field on Monday (29/06) to face Japan in the World Cup. Japan had Brazil as a reference both on and off the field, with the influence of Brazilian players, coaches, and directors.

What happened?

Football in Japan was still amateur in the 1960s. The main teams belonged to large companies and were formed by factory employees.

Why is this important for Brazil?

The creation of the J.League (Japan's Professional Football League) in the 1990s expanded Brazilian influence. Japanese clubs began to hire Brazilian players who were part of or had already defended the Brazilian national team.

What's next?

For Zico, one of the Brazilians who contributed the most to the evolution of football in Japan, the confrontation requires attention. | Date | Result | | --- | --- | | 2025-11-18 | Brazil 1-1 Tunisia |

The relationship between Brazilian and Japanese football is like that of teacher and student, master and disciple. Sports journalist Tiago Bontempo says that the 1970 World Cup marked the beginning of a generation of players' approach to Brazilian football.

Recent form

| Game | Result | | --- | --- | | 1 | W | | 2 | D | | 3 | L | | 4 | W | The Brazilian national team has a recent form of 2W-1D-1L (DWLW). This shows that the team is ready to face Japan in the World Cup.