Brazil vs Japan FIFA World Cup 2026 Live Score: Brazil have dominated possession early in the game. (Reuters Photo)

Brazil vs Japan, FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Today Live Score: Brazil were given a bit of a reality check by Japan in the first half of the Round of 32 match between the two sides in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Houston Stadium on Monday. Japan led the five-time champions 1-0 at half time, with Kaishu Sano scoring the decisive goal. Brazil dominated possession but lacked any tooth in attack.

On the other hand, Japan, while prioritising defence, were far more incisive in their counter attacks and made the most of silly mistakes by the Brazilians, particularly with the Selecao looking increasingly frustrated after conceding.

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Brazil are the most successful team in the history of the tournament, having won the World Cup five times, but the last time they won was in 2002 and since then, they have managed to reach the semi-finals just once – the infamous 1-7 loss to Germany at the Maracana.

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One is a tactical duel between two of the smartest teams on either side of the Mediterranean. The other is a meeting between Asia’s most sophisticated football project and the sport’s greatest superpower. And almost hidden behind those heavyweight ties is another intriguing subplot: co-hosts USA and Canada have landed precisely the draw they would have wished for.

The World Cup has finally reached the point where every mistake will be terminal. After the group-stage, for some, the arithmetic is over. The safety nets have disappeared. Brazil and the Netherlands will feel the noose more. Brazil have exited early only in the inaugural 1930 edition and 1966, while the Netherlands haven’t missed Round of 16 ever. READ MORE

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