Predicted Brazil XI vs Japan: Will Neymar take the field? Raphinha Injury Update and Rayan to keep his Spot

Brazil prepares to face a highly organised Japan side in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the NRG Stadium in Houston, as the stakes have never been higher. Following a commanding group stage campaign that saw them dismantle Haiti and Scotland with back-to-back 3-0 victories after an opening 1-1 draw against Morocco, manager Carlo Ancelotti faces critical selection decisions for his first knockout test.

With injury concerns looming over key personnel and a superstar returning to the fold, here is an in-depth look at how the Brazilians are expected to line up against the Samurai Blue.

Will Neymar Take the Field?

The biggest question surrounding Brazil ahead of this knockout clash is the availability of their talisman, Neymar. After suffering a muscle and calf injury shortly before the tournament that ruled him out against Morocco and Haiti, the 34-year-old finally made his 2026 World Cup debut off the bench, featuring for 15 minutes against Scotland.

While Ancelotti confirmed that Neymar has made "significant progress" in training, medical reports suggest he has not yet reached the optimal fitness level required to play a full 90-minute knockout match. As a result, Ancelotti is unwilling to take major risks, and Neymar is widely expected to start on the bench once again. If introduced in the second half, he could be the ultimate game-changer, especially considering Japan is his absolute favourite opponent. Neymar holds a stunning record of nine goals against the Samurai Blue throughout his international career, more than against any other nation.

Another headache for Ancelotti revolves around the right flank. Barcelona star Raphinha sustained a hamstring injury against Haiti and was forced to sit out the victory over Scotland. While he remains with the squad, he is not expected to return until the Round of 16 at the earliest.

With Raphinha sidelined, the door remains wide open for Bournemouth's rising star, Rayan. Having started against Scotland and delivering an assist for one of Vinicius Jr's goals, the young winger brings blistering pace and is heavily favoured to keep his spot in the starting XI.

Real Madrid and Premier League Stars Anchor the Setup

While the right wing sees rotation, the rest of the Brazilian squad features a formidable, star-studded core that perfectly balances flair and tactical solidity.

Vinicius Junior has been nothing short of sensational. After scoring four goals across the three group stage matches, Vinicius comes into this tie brimming with confidence and will command the left flank. Interestingly, Brazil has gone on to win the World Cup every time one of their players has scored in all three group fixtures.

In the middle of the park, Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes are primed to pair up in the double pivot once more to dictate the tempo. Lucas Paqueta adds creative flair, while Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhaes anchors a defense looking to nullify Japan's transitional threats. Matheus Cunha, who has proven effective as the lone striker, should retain his place up front.

Brazil's Predicted Playing XI vs Japan

With Alisson Becker, Danilo, Marquinhos, and Douglas Santos completing the backline, Brazil is expected to deploy a fluid formation against a stubborn and compact Japanese backline. By maintaining structural continuity and relying on the lethal form of Vinicius Junior, Brazil has the firepower to overcome a very tricky Japanese side, with Neymar poised as the ultimate secret weapon off the bench.