Brazil ramp up their push for a sixth star as they begin their World Cup knockouts campaign against dark horses Japan.After an underwhelming start in a 1-1 draw with Morocco, Carlo Ancelotti’s side seem to have found their groove in North America after storming to successive 3-0 wins against Haiti and Scotland to top Group C.But they have by no means been handed a lay-up in the round of 32, with Japan yet to be beaten at these finals - and the Selecao will have bad memories of tonight’s opposition.Japan actually got the better of Brazil in a friendly last October, coming from two goals down to stun the five-time World Cup winners 3-2 - might a repeat be in store?Follow all the latest updates from Brazil vs Japan in the World Cup round of 32 below:Predicted line-upsBrazil: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Rayan, Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Paqueta; Cunha, Vinicius Jr.Japan: Z Suzuki; Seko, Taniguchi, H Ito; Sugawara, Tanaka, Kamada, Nakamura; Doan, Maeda; Ueda.Will Castle29 June 2026 15:20Early team news - will Neymar start?The main team news revolves around Brazil’s attack. Raphinha is still out with a hamstring and will miss the game. Neymar appeared as a substitute in the win over Scotland and could be involved, but Rayan is more likely to start the game.Neymar played for Brazil against Scotland (Getty)Will Castle29 June 2026 15:15Who will the winner face?Either the Ivory Coast or Norway will await in the round of 16. They meet on Tuesday in Dallas.That match will be on 5 July in East Rutherford.Could we be getting an Erling Haaland vs Vinicius Jr showdown?(Getty)Will Castle29 June 2026 15:10Is Brazil vs Japan on TV?The match takes place today, Monday 29 June, in Houston at midday local time, which is a start time of 6pm BST in the UK.How to watchBrazil v Japan will be broadcast live on ITV1 in the UK and can be streamed for free on ITVX.Will Castle29 June 2026 15:05Brazil vs Japan LIVEBrazil ramp up their push for a sixth star as they begin their World Cup knockouts campaign against dark horses Japan.But they have by no means been handed a lay-up in the round of 32, with Japan yet to be beaten at these finals - and the Selecao will have bad memories of tonight’s opposition.Japan actually got the better of Brazil in a friendly last October, coming from two goals down to stun the five-time World Cup winners 3-2 - might a repeat be in store?Carlo Ancelotti is hoping to add a sixth star to Brazil's shirt (Reuters)Will Castle29 June 2026 15:00Good afternoonHello there and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Brazil’s round of 32 clash with Japan at the 2026 World Cup.We’ll bring you all the latest team news, build-up and minute-by-minute updates from the clash in Houston.Will Castle29 June 2026 13:20