Brazil, top of Group C, will play Japan on Monday (29) at 2pm at NRG Stadium in Houston in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA confirmed that Italian referee Maurizio Mariani will officiate the match, assisted by compatriots Daniele Bindoni and Alberto Tegoni. The 44-year-old Mariani will make his third appearance in the tournament.
Brazil trained on Saturday (27) with the full squad available at the training center in Morristown, New Jersey. Only Raphinha was absent due to treatment for a right thigh injury. The team travels in the afternoon to Houston.
Japan finished second in Group F, behind the Netherlands. The Asian side showed adaptability by drawing 2-2 with the Netherlands and beating Tunisia 4-0.
If Brazil advances, it could face England in the quarterfinals and Argentina in the semifinal, according to the current bracket.
