Brazil great Zico has backed his homeland ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash against Japan, but warned that the Selecao are walking into a serious knockout test against a side he believes now belongs among the world’s most competitive teams.
Brazil will face Japan in a knockout meeting loaded with personal history for Zico, whose bond with Japanese football stretches back decades. The 73-year-old played for Kashima Antlers and is widely credited, along with his brother Eduardo “Edu” Antunes Coimbra, with helping shape the foundations of modern professional football in Japan.
That connection has made the Brazil-Japan tie more than just another World Cup knockout game for the former Brazil star. In a post shared by Planeta do Futebol on X, Zico admitted that while his support remains with Brazil, a Japan victory would not leave him heartbroken.
“If Brazil wins (against Japan), great, because I'm Brazilian. But if they lose, I won't be sad, no, because in Japanese football there's a little foot of the Coimbra family there,” Zico said.
Zico says Japan ‘play proper football’Speaking to FIFA ahead of the knockout clash, Zico made it clear that Brazil will have his support, but also underlined the respect he has for Japan’s footballing rise.
“I will be supporting Brazil. After all, I am Brazilian. But if Japan win, so be it. What I do know is that it will be a great match, because Japan play proper football,” Zico said.
Brazil go into the match after sealing their place in the Round of 32 with a 3-0 win over Scotland. Neymar’s successful return has lifted the mood around the squad, while Vinicius Jr and Matheus Cunha have also played important roles in Brazil’s campaign so far.
Japan, meanwhile, finished second in Group F with one win and two draws. The Samurai Blue booked their knockout berth after a 1-1 draw against Sweden and are now chasing a historic breakthrough, having previously reached the last 16 in 2002, 2010, 2018 and 2022 without going beyond that stage.
The upcoming meeting will be only the second between Brazil and Japan at a FIFA World Cup. Their previous clash came in Germany in 2006, when Brazil won 4-1 and Zico was in charge of the Japanese national team.
