brazil vs. japan (jun 29, 2026)

the match where tsubasa's grandchildren, who beat germany and spain at the 2022 cup in qatar and were later knocked out by croatia on penalties, and who also played neck and neck with the netherlands at this year's cup, step onto the world stage once again.

brazil only has the name. with 35-year-old danilo and 33-year-old santos at fullback, a casemiro who's turned to mush in midfield, and a mediocre paqueta, this is about as far as it goes. even if they get through the round, it's impossible for them to advance.

look how japan's explosive speed and disciplined play gets results against brazil's loose, languid, ambling style. i'd say the japanese are playing at 100% efficiency if not for the misplaced passes, but when two-thirds of the stadium is yellow and the opponent is a brazil carrying 5 stars on its chest, that much nervousness is bound to happen.

one of the most enjoyable matchups of the round of 32, a match that will hopefully be completed with a japan win.