Bangkok: Hajime Moriyasu, head coach of the Japanese national team, spoke about his team's upcoming match against Brazil in the knockout round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, and praised Brazil's current coach, Carlo Ancelotti, as his coaching idol. Moriyasu's admiration for Ancelotti comes ahead of a crucial clash, where his team will face a formidable Brazilian side led by the esteemed coach.

According to Thai News Agency, Moriyasu's Japanese national team previously faced Ancelotti's Brazilian national team in a friendly match at the end of 2025, with Japan winning 3-2. This victory was historic for Japan as it marked the first time the Samurai Blue had defeated Brazil since their first encounter in 1989.

Japan is set to face Brazil in the knockout round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. The match will take place at midnight on June 30th, Thailand time, and it promises to be a thrilling encounter between two competitive teams.