Japan aims for World Cup glory as Brazil meets them in 2026 knockout

Japan has launched a long‑term "Vision of 100 years" plan to win a FIFA World Cup by 2050. After setbacks following the 1997 economic crisis, the Japanese football federation restructured its leagues, expanded each division to 20 clubs and is linking teams with local businesses and academies. The plan sets a 2026 target of winning the nation’s first knockout‑stage match, and the federation has warned that head coach Hajime Moriyasu could be dismissed if Japan fails to defeat Brazil.

In the 2026 World Cup round of 16, Brazil will face Japan on 29 June in Houston, Texas. If the match is tied after 90 minutes, it will go to two 15‑minute extra‑time periods, and if still level, to a penalty shoot‑out, according to FIFA rules. A victory would send Brazil to the quarter‑finals on 5 July.