New Delhi, 26 June (H.S.): Another Round of 32 fixture has been confirmed at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with five-time world champions Brazil set to face Japan in the knockout stage.

The match will be played on June 29 at Houston Stadium in the United States and is scheduled to kick off at 10:30 p.m. IST.

Japan secured their place in the Round of 32 after drawing 1-1 with Sweden in their final Group F match. The result earned Japan four points, enabling them to finish second in the group behind the Netherlands.

Brazil, meanwhile, advanced to the knockout stage as Group C winners after registering two victories and one draw in the group phase.

Morocco, who finished second in Brazil's group, will take on the Netherlands in another Round of 32 encounter.

The most recent meeting between Brazil and Japan came in an international friendly in October 2025, when Japan created history with a 3-2 victory. It was Japan's first-ever win over Brazil in 14 meetings between the two nations.

However, the two sides have met only once before in FIFA World Cup history. At the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Brazil defeated Japan 4-1.

Nearly two decades later, the two teams will once again meet on football's biggest stage, with Japan aiming to build on the confidence gained from their most recent victory, while Brazil will look to maintain their impressive World Cup record.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar