Who Will Be Brazil's Next Opponent in World Cup 2026?
After defeating Japan in the round of 32, we will find out who Brazil may face in the round of 16, quarterfinals, and their path to the final of the Mundial 2026.
Houston — Brazil showed courage to come back and win against Japan in the round of 32 of the World Cup 2026 in Houston. Japan took the lead through Kaishu Sano in the 29th minute, but Casemiro replied in the 56th minute to go ahead. Brazil's win was scored by substitute Gabriel Martinelli, who scored the winning goal in stoppage time.
What's next for the Seleção? After the victory against Japan, Brazil will face the winner between Norway and Ivory Coast — a contest scheduled for Tuesday in Dallas. Brazil's round of 16 is scheduled against either Norway or Ivory Coast on Sunday, July 5, at 4:00 pm ET at New York New Jersey Stadium; the match can be seen on FOX and will be streamed on FOX One.
<figure style="margin:2rem 0;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;background:#f9f9f9"><img src="https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/06/1408/814/gettyimages-2283371879-scaled.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Image" style="width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain" loading="lazy" /></figure>If Brazil beats that opponent in the round of 16, there are four possible quarterfinal appearances: Mexico, Ecuador, England or DR Congo. There will be Mexico vs Ecuador on Tuesday in Mexico City (1:00 pm ET on FOX and FOX One), while England vs DR Congo is scheduled for Wednesday in Atlanta (12:00 pm ET on FOX and FOX One). According to the latest FIFA rankings, Brazil is fifth, England fourth, Mexico ninth, and Ecuador 24th.
If Brazil reaches the quarterfinals, it will play at Miami Stadium on Saturday, July 11 at 5:00 pm ET (FOX and FOX One). If Brazil makes it past the quarterfinals, there are eight semifinal possibilities: Argentina, Cape Verde, Australia, Egypt, Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia and Ghana. The semifinal at Atlanta Stadium is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15 at 3:00 pm ET (FOX and FOX One).
Brazil's triumphant rise against Japan — from behind to a last-minute winner — laid a clear path for selection to the knockout stages. Fans will now be watching to see who will present a challenge from Norway or the Ivory Coast, and how Brazil will travel through the bracket to a potential Mundial 2026 final.
