FIFA World Cup 2026: Japan envoy backs Brazil for Round of 16 clash against Norway
New York, July 6
Five-time champions Brazil will look to continue their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign when they take on Norway in a Round of 16 clash at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, with Carlo Ancelotti's side aiming to move a step closer to a record-extending sixth world title.
Ahead of the knockout encounter, Noguchi Yasushi, Japan's Ambassador to Brazil, expressed his support for the Selecao in a post on X following Brazil's dramatic victory over Japan in the previous round.
He wrote, "Today, we join our Brazilian friends in cheering for a spot in the quarterfinals. Let's go, Brazil! Let's get that sixth title!"
Brazil reached the last 16 after topping Group C on goal difference with seven points before surviving a stern test against Japan in the Round of 32. The South American giants came from behind to register a 2-1 victory, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner to keep their title hopes alive.
Ancelotti has retained Martinelli in the starting XI after his heroics against Japan, while 19-year-old Rayan continues in attack alongside Vinicius Jr and Matheus Cunha. Raphinha and Neymar, who are returning from injuries, have been named on the bench.
Brazil's starting lineup features Alisson in goal, with Danilo, Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos and Douglas Santos in defence. Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes anchor the midfield behind Martinelli, while Matheus Cunha, Rayan and Vinicius Jr lead the attack.
Norway, meanwhile, welcomes Julian Ryerson back into the side after he missed the Round of 32 victory over Ivory Coast. Captain Martin Odegaard will marshal the midfield, while Erling Haaland spearheads the Scandinavian attack alongside Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa.
Although Brazil have won nine of their last 10 World Cup Round of 16 matches, they will be wary of their recent struggles against European opposition, having lost each of their last six post-group stage World Cup games against teams from Europe.
Norway entered the contest with growing confidence after recording the nation's first-ever World Cup knockout victory by defeating Ivory Coast 2-1.
Stale Solbakken's side have won 15 of their last 20 matches and also hold the historical edge over Brazil, remaining unbeaten in all four previous meetings between the teams, including a famous 2-1 victory at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Japan's ambassador supporting Brazil is wholesome! 🇧🇷❤️ But I'm rooting for Norway this time - would love to see Haaland and Odegaard upset the giants. India's never been in the World Cup, so I'll just enjoy the underdog stories.
Norway has never lost to Brazil in World Cups? That's a crazy stat! While Brazil has the star power, Norway's form and historical edge makes this a genuine toss-up. Ancelotti needs to get his tactics right, especially against Haaland. Just hope it's a cracker of a match!
As an Indian who grew up watching Brazil's magic, it's sad to see their decline against European teams. Martinelli's goal was brilliant, but they need to show more consistency. Norway is no pushover - this could be another upset in the making.
Why is Neymar on the bench when he's their biggest match-winner? 🤔 Ancelotti is playing with fire. Brazil needs their best players against a confident Norway side. If they lose, the questions will be endless. Hoping for a classic samba performance!
Really excited for this one! Brazil vs Norway at a World Cup always has history - that 1998 game still haunts Brazilian fans. I think Norway's momentum and physicality could trouble Brazil. Plus, Haaland is in the form of his life. Should be a tight 2-1 either way.
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