Japan Overview

Endrick has expressed his delight after helping Brazil reach the World Cup round of 16. Following early tournament frustration and viral memes about his lack of minutes, the forward thanked manager Carlo Ancelotti for his trust against Japan. After a successful loan at Lyon, Endrick is now eagerly anticipating a return to Real Madrid to start a fresh chapter.

Matheus Cunha hit back at Japan forward Kento Shiogai after Brazil's dramatic World Cup round of 32 victory. Shiogai had questioned Brazil's status among football's elite before kick-off, but Cunha responded after the final whistle by reminding him of the Selecao's unmatched World Cup record.

Neymar took aim at German economist Joachim Klement after Brazil beat Japan 2-1 to reach the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Klement's prediction model had tipped Japan to produce a shock victory, but the Brazil forward wasted little time reminding him of the outcome with a playful post on social media.

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed exactly why Neymar remained an unused substitute during the Selecao's dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Japan. Despite the Santos superstar warming up in front of a captivated Houston crowd, he was sent back to the bench as the game reached its climax.