Brazil will take on Japan in a challenging international friendly match in 2025. This game will showcase both teams’ skills ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The absence of Raphinha has raised questions among supporters.
Under coach Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil finished fifth in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers after a last-match defeat of 1-0 to Bolivia. A win in this friendly in Asia would boost their confidence following a strong 5-0 victory against South Korea.
On the other side, Japan has already qualified for the 2026 tournament and has been improving through friendlies against teams from CONMEBOL and CONCACAF. Their record includes just one loss—a 2-0 defeat to the United States—while they also drew against Mexico and Paraguay.
Brazil comes into this match after a commanding 5-0 win over South Korea, with Rodrygo and Estevao scoring twice each, and Vinicius adding another goal. Japan recently had a 2-2 draw with Paraguay, featuring goals from Ogawa and Ueda.
Raphinha of Brazil
Why is Raphinha not playing for Brazil vs Japan?
Raphinha will miss the match against Japan due to a right hamstring injury sustained while playing for Barcelona against Real Oviedo. His recovery is expected to take about three weeks, as reported by the club’s medical team.
He has already missed games against PSG in the Champions League and Sevilla in LaLiga and will also sit out Brazil’s friendlies against South Korea and Japan, as well as Barcelona’s match against Girona on October 18.
Will Raphinha return to Brazil before the World Cup?
Another FIFA window is scheduled for November, which poses challenges for clubs in Europe and South America as it overlaps with crucial phases of their seasons. However, the CBF seems to be strategically planning two friendlies against African national teams in Europe.
While details are not yet confirmed, potential opponents are Senegal and Tunisia, assuming neither team is involved in the 2026 World Cup playoffs. Brazil, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, is expected to play one match at London’s Emirates Stadium and the other at the Stade de France in Paris, both venues likely to attract large crowds as they prepare for the World Cup.