Brazil resume their preparations for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday when they face Japan in an international friendly at Tokyo’s Ajinomoto Stadium.
Japan became the first team to book their place at the 2026 World Cup after a 2-0 win over Bahrain in March, while Brazil sealed their own qualification three months later with a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay.
Japan warmed up for Tuesday’s clash by drawing 2-2 with Paraguay on Friday, rescued late on by Ayase Ueda’s 94th-minute equaliser. The Samurai Blue, ranked 19th by FIFA, topped their AFC qualifying group with 23 points from 10 games to secure an eighth straight World Cup berth.
However, they have failed to win any of their last three matches, suggesting a slight drop in intensity since qualification was sealed.
Brazil, meanwhile, arrive in Tokyo buoyed by a 5-0 demolition of South Korea, their second game under Carlo Ancelotti in which they’ve scored more than once.
The Selecao have kept four clean sheets in five outings under the Italian, winning three of their last four and losing just once, a solid start to Ancelotti’s tenure as he looks to restore Brazil’s attacking fluency ahead of 2026.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Japan vs. Brazil live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this international friendly match in the U.S.:
TV channel: —
Live stream: —
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the English language. There will also be no streaming options available on in the United States.
What time does Japan vs. Brazil kick off?
This international friendly clash takes place at Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo, Japan and kicks off on Tuesday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Tue, Oct. 14 | 6:30 a.m. |
| Central Time | Tue, Oct. 14 | 5:30 a.m. |
| Mountain Time | Tue, Oct. 14 | 4:30 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Tue, Oct. 14 | 3:30 a.m. |
Japan vs. Brazil lineups, team news
Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu is expected to stick largely with the side that faced Paraguay, retaining the back three of Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Junnosuke Suzuki and Ayumu Seko.
Leeds United’s Ao Tanaka should anchor midfield alongside Mainz’s Kaishu Sano, while Takumi Minamino is in line to feature behind Koki Ogawa in one of the attacking roles.
Japan predicted XI (4-3-2-1, right to left): Z Suzuki (GK) — Seko, Watanabe, J Suzuki — Ito, Sano, Tanaka, Nakamura — Doan, Minamino — Ogawa.
Injured: None
Suspended: None
For Brazil, Carlo Ancelotti could hand another start to Matheus Cunha, though the Manchester United forward may operate just behind Richarlison this time.
Bruno Guimaraes and Casemiro are likely to form a robust midfield pairing, with Gabriel Magalhaes and Eder Militao expected to continue their partnership at the heart of a defence that has conceded only once in the last five matches.
Brazil predicted XI (5-4-1 right to left): Bento (GK) — Vitinho, Militao, Gabriel, Santos — Guimaraes, Casemiro — Rodrygo, Cunha, Vinicius — Richarlison.
Injured: None
Suspended: None
Japan 2025 October schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 14 | vs. Brazil | 6:30 a.m. ET |
Brazil 2025 October schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 14 | vs. Japan | 6:30 a.m. ET |