Hajime Moriyasu wants Brazil to know something: Japan isn’t here to make up the numbers. Ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup round-of-32 clash in Houston, Texas, the veteran coach made it clear his squad won’t roll over for one of football’s most storied programs.
From Group F survivor to Brazil’s next problem
Japan punched its ticket to the knockout stage after a 1-1 draw against Sweden on June 25, 2026. That result was enough to seal second place in Group F, sending Japan through to face Brazil on Monday, June 26 in Houston.
It marks the third consecutive World Cup edition in which Japan has advanced beyond the group stage.
Moriyasu described Brazil as a “serious” opponent and framed the fixture as something more than just a game to survive.
