Brazil vs Japan international friendly Singapore Raphinha Moriyasu, Digi Mart USA News (Singapore): Stand-in Brazil captain Raphinha expects a fierce examination when his side faces Japan in Saturday’s international friendly at the Singapore National Stadium. The match is a rematch of this summer’s World Cup clash in Houston, where Japan came back to win 2-1 in the round of 32 in June.
Raphinha will wear the armband and the number 10 shirt because regular captain Marquinhos is sidelined through injury. The Barcelona attacker missed the June meeting in Texas with a right hamstring injury and returns in strong form, having scored 15 goals this season as La Liga’s top scorer.
Speaking ahead of the match, Raphinha said: “For me, playing against Japan is like a World Cup match. I see it as a very difficult, complicated game, but in my view, these are important games to see the level we are at, what we can improve, not only individually on the field but also collectively.” He also noted that Japan had beaten Brazil 3-2 in Tokyo last October, a first senior-level win over the five-time world champions.
Brazil are building a new cycle under head coach Carlo Ancelotti after their round-of-16 World Cup exit against Norway. Ancelotti said Japan had competed well against Brazil at the World Cup and described the upcoming game as an opportunity to improve and give experience to younger players.
Ancelotti also praised Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu, who is leaving early. Moriyasu’s Japan Football Association contract, originally running until February 2027, is ending ahead of schedule after turmoil in Saudi Arabia delayed the Asian Cup from early 2027 to December 2027. Moriyasu will oversee his final game against Paraguay on Tuesday, November 17, before handing over to national under-23 coach Go Oiwa, who is set to debut in a home friendly in March.
Brazil will also close their 2026 schedule against hosts Singapore on Tuesday.
