Zico warns Brazil of Japan threat ahead of knockout clash

Brazil legend Zico believes Brazil will face a dangerous Japan side when the two teams meet at the FIFA World Cup 2026, praising the Asian team’s progress and growing confidence.

Zico has close ties with both sides, having represented the Selecao in three World Cups and coaching Japan in the 2006 World Cup.

Despite his deep connection with Japanese football, Zico said he will support Brazil but expects a difficult contest.

“I’ll be supporting Brazil. After all, I am Brazilian,” Zico told FIFA. “But if Japan win, so be it.”

“What I do know is that it will be a great match, because Japan play proper football,” he added.

The match will be only the second World Cup meeting between Brazil and Japan. Their previous clash came in 2006, when Zico was in charge of Japan.

Brazil won that match 4-1, but Zico believes the current Japan team is much stronger and ready to challenge the world’s best.

“Japan are at a more competitive level now,” Zico said. “Their players have been heading to Europe, just like Brazilian and South American players did.

“Of their 26 players at the World Cup, 23 play in Europe and they’re getting to play in the Bundesliga, in Serie A, in the Premier League,” he added.

Zico highlighted Japan’s recent results against top nations, saying they have developed into a team capable of beating elite opponents.

“Japan are prepared to face anyone,” Zico said. “Over the past few years, they have beaten Brazil, Germany, Spain and England. They really are ready for whatever comes their way.

“Of course, the team has improved tactically, but the bigger issue for Japan was always psychological. They now know how to deal with adversity and can respond when they fall behind,” he added.

Japan have reached the knockout stage in the last two World Cups but missed out on a quarter-final place.

Zico said those performances show how much Japanese football has improved over the years.

“Those campaigns show how far Japan have come,” he said. 

Zico recalled his experience as Japan coach in 2006, saying the team lacked the composure they now possess.

“In 2006, for instance, we had to win by two goals to go through,” Zico said.

“We went 1-0 up and then let one in just before the break. The team today has more experience and they would keep hold of the ball and see out the first half. Back then they didn’t,” he added.

Zico also praised Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu, saying his former opponent has played a key role in the team’s rise.

“I played against him in Japan - and his brother. He had great technique and real quality. He’s another midfielder who became a great coach.”

The Brazil legend also sees similarities between Moriyasu and Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, both former midfielders who became successful managers.

“I remember them both very well. They were defensive midfielders. Thankfully, neither of them played dirty. They could both really play, and had great technique. It’s why they read the game differently today,” Zico concluded.