BRAZIL FACES JAPAN IN FIRST OF THREE ROUND OF 32 TIES

The 2026 World Cup knockout stage continues on Monday with Brazil meeting Japan in Houston, followed by Germany against Paraguay in Boston and a third fixture. Brazil enters the match having recorded two wins and one draw in group play, whilst Japan finished with one win and two draws. According to betting odds, Brazil holds the favourite's position. Vinicius Jr. is tied for third in the Golden Boot scoring race after finding the net in all three group stage matches for Brazil.

Japan's defence limited opponents to three goals across the group stage, presenting a challenge for Brazil despite the South Americans' attacking strength. Brazil has conceded only two goals in their group matches. Japan's squad, referred to as the Samurai Blue, progressed to the knockout round despite being held scoreless in two of their three fixtures. The Germany versus Paraguay fixture is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET on the same day. Paraguay qualified for the knockout round after recording a 1-0 victory over Türkiye whilst playing with ten men for the latter portion of the second half.

Germany finished group play with two wins and one loss, the defeat coming to Ecuador in their final fixture. Deniz Undav, a 29-year-old striker for Germany, has not started a World Cup match but leads his team in scoring and remains in contention for the Golden Boot award. Germany recorded a 7-1 victory over Curaçao and a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast in their group matches. Three fixtures are scheduled for Monday, 29 June.