Brazil will have three midfielders in a friendly against Japan this Saturday

The Brazilian men's football team meets Japan again this Saturday (13), at 7:15 am (Brasília time), in Singapore, in the penultimate friendly of 2026. The last clash took place in this year's World Cup, when Amarelinha upset the Asian team (2-1) and advanced to the round of 16.

During a press conference this Friday (13), coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed uncertainty about the lineup, but said that the team will have three players in midfield.

"We did tests in training to test the players in different positions. We tested Rayan as a left midfielder. He did a good job and showed that he can play there. Tomorrow we will play with three midfielders. I have the names in my head, but I don't want to say them today", said the coach during a press conference.

The team's captain will be Raphinha, who will even wear the number 10 shirt, guaranteed Ancelotti, who praised the player's “impressive quality” playing as a center forward for Barcelona.

Raphinha received criticism last week, after declaring to the Spanish press that he had spoken to Ancelotti about the need to manage his minutes on the field for the national team, as he did not feel 100% physically.

"I thought I was being clear in what I was trying to say, at least in my head I thought I was being clear. Obviously, given everything I've been through in recent calls", explained the striker who, on the 5th, renewed his contract with Barça until 2030.

Raphinha suffered repeated injuries to the back of her right thigh when defending Amarelinha this year, in the friendlies in March, at the World Cup, and at the FIFA post-World Cup date.

"I had the three injuries and I, obviously, don't want to get hurt again, I want to be available not only for the national team but for Barcelona as well. What I wanted to say was that if I'm physically well, I'll always be available to represent Brazil. But, unfortunately, when physically we're not well, we can't play either here or at the club", he concluded.

History against Japan

Months before overcoming the Asian team in the World Cup knockout stage, the team suffered an unprecedented defeat to the Japanese in Tokyo (3-2), in October last year.

Brazil continues to have an advantage in the history of duels against the Asians. In the 15 matches played, Amarelinha won 12, drew two and suffered just one setback.

Probable lineup

Brazil should go to the field with Pedro Mourisco, Wesley, Jair, Gabriel Magalhães, Carlos Augusto; Andrey Santos, Bruno Guimarães, Ryans; and Estevão, Vini Jr and Raphinha.