Brazil Must Treat Japan With Utmost Respect, Marquinhos Says Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Brazil captain Marquinhos urged his side to show maximum respect to Japan ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match.

During the official pre‑match press conference in Houston, he explained that the group stage had ended and a new phase of the tournament had begun, highlighting Japan’s historic 3‑2 friendly win over Brazil as a key lesson.

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“I think it was a learning experience for all of us. Everything we’ve gone through in recent years, up to this World Cup, has served as a lesson and a test for us.”

“The coach was able to understand what hadn’t worked and, as for me, watching a Brazil match from the outside is always very tough, because you want to be on the pitch helping your teammates.”

“That match, however, taught us a lot. Since then, we’ve grown a lot as a team, and we’ve shown it in the last matches of this World Cup. Today the situation is completely different: we’re in the round of 32, and a new competition begins.”

“We’ve analysed Japan in recent days, and we know they’re a team of great quality. We’ve prepared a strategy to try to limit their strengths and make the most of our own qualities.”

“The group stage is now behind us. Securing qualification and finishing first was our main goal, but from tomorrow a new tournament begins. In the knockout matches, the details will make the difference and we want to give our best on the pitch to play a great game.”

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Brazil finished top of Group C and will face Group F runners‑up Japan in Houston.

Japan advanced to the knockout stage for the third straight World Cup after a strong group performance, drawing 2‑2 with the Netherlands, beating Tunisia 4‑0, and drawing with Sweden.