Japanese Coach Speaks Candidly After Draw with Brazil in 2026 World Cup Round of 32
On 25 June 2026, Hajime Moriyasu, head coach of Japan's national team, gave an interview regarding Brazil, their opponent in the 2026 World Cup round of 32, following Japan's 1-1 draw with Sweden which secured their advancement as runners-up in Group F behind the Netherlands.
The Japanese coach commented on finishing second in Group F and facing Brazil, the five-time World Cup champions: "I believe this result is better than qualifying as the third-place team, where we would have had to rely heavily on other teams' results."
"While our goal is to rise to the global level, in this tournament we have once again achieved what was necessary: progressing to the next round through our own efforts."
"Facing Brazil will be another great experience for the development of Japanese football. Certainly, they are a strong opponent, but I also believe we have a chance to win. I want to seek out that opportunity and prepare the team fully so we can advance further."
Hajime Moriyasu also spoke about their last encounter when Japan defeated Brazil 3-2 in a friendly match in October last year: "Personally, I look forward to playing against Brazil again, a team that competes with full seriousness."
"In the past, from Brazil's perspective, Japan might have been an opponent they could easily beat. But looking at last year's friendly, I think the fact that they now acknowledge we are no longer an easy team to beat is a sign of progress in Japanese football."
"Brazil is truly a world-class team, and we respect them. But in competition, no one knows what will happen. We also have a chance to win, so I want us to prepare as best as we can to face Brazil."
Japan will face Brazil in the 2026 World Cup round of 32 on Monday, 29 June, which is 00:00 on 30 June Thai time.
