World Cup 2026: Marquinhos Wary Of Japan Threat Ahead Of Brazil Knockout Clash

Brazil captain Marquinhos has urged his teammates not to underestimate Japan as the five-time champions prepare for their 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 showdown in Houston.

The defender said the group stage was now history and stressed that the knockout rounds mark the start of a completely different challenge. Marquinhos also pointed to Japan’s memorable 3-2 friendly win over Brazil as a lesson the squad has not forgotten.

“I think it was a learning experience for all of us. Everything we’ve gone through in recent years, up to this World Cup, has served as a lesson and a test for us,” he said.

“The coach was able to understand what hadn’t worked and, as for me, watching a Brazil match from the outside is always very tough, because you want to be on the pitch helping your teammates.

“That match, however, taught us a lot. Since then, we’ve grown a lot as a team, and we’ve shown it in the last matches of this World Cup. Today the situation is completely different: we’re in the round of 32, and a new competition begins.

“We’ve analysed Japan in recent days, and we know they’re a team of great quality. We’ve prepared a strategy to try to limit their strengths and make the most of our own qualities.

“The group stage is now behind us. Securing qualification and finishing first was our main goal, but from tomorrow a new tournament begins. In the knockout matches, the details will make the difference and we want to give our best on the pitch to play a great game.”

Brazil topped Group C to secure their place in the knockout stage and will now face Group F runners-up Japan for a place in the last 16.

Japan arrive in confident mood after reaching the World Cup knockout rounds for the third successive tournament. Their impressive group campaign included a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, a commanding 4-0 victory over Tunisia and another draw against Sweden.