27 June 2026
Ancelotti's Knockout Exam: Brazil vs Japan Round Two
Carlo Ancelotti faces his first World Cup knockout test as Brazil meet Japan again, with Vinicius Jr in red-hot form after four goals in the group stage.
Brazil's round of 32 brings a familiar opponent and a very different team, according to Reuters. Carlo Ancelotti, still finding his feet as a World Cup coach, now faces the sharpest possible test of his short tenure: a knockout match against Japan.
The entire defensive unit that started for Brazil in Tokyo is gone from this squad entirely. In their place, a refreshed side has clicked into gear after an opening 1-1 draw with Morocco, stringing back-to-back wins together and finding a sharp, purposeful rhythm.
Vinicius Jr has been the standout force, netting four times in the group stage. If Brazil are going to go deep, they will need him firing again in a match where there is no margin for error.
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