Read 3 minutesUpdated: June 29, 2026 09:02 AM IST
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has praised Asian giants Japan ahead of their World Cup 2026 clash, calling Monday night’s Round of 32 match a virtual “final” for the five-time champions.
The former Real Madrid boss said Japan could compete on equal terms with Brazil in the knockout stage at the Houston Stadium, calling them one of the best teams in the world.
“Japan is one of the best national teams in the world, and we have a lot of respect for them – this final will be like that. There are no disorganized teams these days; they don’t exist anymore. There are teams with less individual quality, but it also has to do with genetics.
“But to say that there is a team that lacks tough deployments and tactics – no, not now. Everyone trains, and it surprises me. The only difference is individual quality,” Ancelotti told reporters on Sunday.
Also read | Portugal coach defends Cristiano Ronaldo after Messi rest: ‘It would be childish’
Both teams have plenty of attacking quality, which was evident in the group stages. Brazil topped Group C with seven goals in three matches, while Japan drew Group F, where they finished second behind the Netherlands.
Ancelotti dismissed the favorites tag around Brazil and no team stood out above the other in the knockout stages.
Story continues below this ad
“I don’t agree with the favorites talk; I believe that every match in this tournament is very difficult, and we have to take several things into account – on the one hand, the huge pressure and, as of today, no clear favorite national team to win the World Cup.”
2022 semi-finalists Morocco faced Brazil in a mixed 2022 group before getting past Haiti and Scotland. While Vinicius Jr has led the Selecao attack, Ancelotti has also praised veteran Neymar’s recent return from injury.
“Neymar is making great progress in his recovery and has made a significant improvement over the last week with 15 minutes on the clock, but tomorrow will be when we make a decision.”