Brazil Name Starting XI Without Neymar

Since taking charge in 2025, Carlo Ancelotti has continued to experiment with Brazil’s starting XI, reshaping the lineup in nearly every match with an eye on the World Cup. The Italian coach has again made adjustments during the tournament group stage, but for Brazil’s Round of 32 clash against Japan in Houston, he has opted for stability.

Ancelotti will start the same 11 players who featured against Scotland. As a result, Neymar Jr. is once again left out of the starting lineup. However, Brazil’s all-time top scorer, who has scored nine goals in five matches against Japan, his most against any opponent in his career, may still come on as a substitute to add to his tally.

Japan, meanwhile, have made four changes to their lineup. Head coach Hajime Moriyasu has brought in Shogo Taniguchi and Takehiro Tomiyasu in defense, Kaishu Sano in midfield, and Hiroki Ito in attack.

Brazil XI: Alisson, Gabriel Magalhães, Marquinhos, Danilo, Douglas Santos, Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá, Vinícius Jr., Matheus Cunha, Rayan.

Japan XI: Zion Suzuki, Shogo Taniguchi, Hiroki Ito, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ritsu Doan, Daizen Maeda, Keito Nakamura, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Kaishu Sano, Ayase Ueda.