Sports · Football · 4 hrs ago
Brazil face Japan as Vinicius seeks to regain form
Brazil are expected to start Vinicius in a friendly against Japan on Saturday in Singapore.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti has tested a 4-3-3 formation, with Vinicius, Raphinha and Estêvão in attack.
Vinicius is seeking to recover his best form after a difficult spell at Real Madrid, where he has not scored since August 26.
His most recent goal came from a penalty for Brazil against Australia during the previous international break.
Japan arrive on a four-match winning run, with victories over Uruguay, Venezuela, Ecuador and New Zealand.
The teams last met in June, when Brazil won with a late goal from Martinelli.
Brazil’s final lineup is not settled, with the left-back and midfield positions still under consideration.
Brazil are also scheduled to play Singapore on Tuesday, in their final matches of 2026.
Brazil are set to face Japan in a friendly at Singapore’s National Stadium on November 14.
Carlo Ancelotti is expected to start Vinicius Jr. in Brazil’s attack alongside Raphinha and Estêvão.
Vinicius is seeking to regain his form after an inconsistent spell, and has not scored for Real Madrid since August 26.
Brazil tested a 4-3-3 formation in training, with Rayan among the likely starters.
Japan come into the match after four consecutive wins against Uruguay, Venezuela, Ecuador and New Zealand.
- Who
- Brazil and Japan.
- What
- They are scheduled to play a friendly.
- When
- November 14, 2026. The sources give the start time as 7:15 a.m. Brasília time and 11:15, without specifying a time zone.
- Where
- National Stadium, Singapore.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Brazil and Japan met in a World Cup round-of-16 match in Houston, which Brazil won with a late Martinelli goal.
Brazil trained in Singapore with the full squad available and tested a 4-3-3 formation.
Brazil and Japan are scheduled to play a friendly at Singapore’s National Stadium.
- Match
- Brazil vs Japan
- Date
- November 14, 2026
- Venue
- National Stadium, Singapore
- Brazil formation tested
- 4-3-3
- Japan winning streak
- Four matches
- Vinicius’s last Real Madrid goal
- August 26