‘Japan play proper football’: Zico says Brazil face tough Japan test

Former Brazil star and Japan coach Zico believes the Samurai Blue are now equipped to challenge the world's best, insisting they "play proper football" ahead of Monday's FIFA World Cup 2026 meeting with Brazil.

Widely regarded as a pioneer of Japanese football, Zico admits the fixture carries special significance for him, but says there is no doubt where his loyalties lie.

“I’ll be supporting Brazil. After all, I am Brazilian,” Zico told FIFA. “But if Japan win, so be it. What I do know is that it will be a great match, because Japan play proper football.”

The encounter will mark only the second World Cup meeting between Brazil and Japan. Their previous clash came at Germany 2006, when Brazil secured a 4-1 victory in the group stage, with Zico in charge of Japan.

“Of course, it was emotional,” Zico recalled. “I said to the players before the match that I was going to sing the Brazilian anthem before the game, just as I’d been taught at school, but as soon as the first ball was kicked, I was with Japan all the way.

“I remember thinking about Didi, who won two World Cups with Brazil and coached Peru against the Selecao in 1970. But it was tough.”

Japan have since established themselves as regular participants on football’s biggest stage. Since making their World Cup debut in 1998, they have qualified for every edition of the tournament, reflecting the steady rise of a nation increasingly capable of competing with the game's traditional powers.

“Japan are at a more competitive level now,” Zico said. “Their players have been heading to Europe, just like Brazilian and South American players did. Of their 26 players at the World Cup, 23 play in Europe and they’re getting to play in the Bundesliga, in Serie A, in the Premier League.”

He also highlighted the importance of experience within the squad, pointing to veteran defender Yuto Nagatomo as a key figure in the dressing room.

“At each of the last two tournaments Japan reached the knockout stage but fell short of the quarter-finals,” Zico noted. “That shows how far Japan have come. They are prepared to face anyone.”

Japan famously pushed Belgium to the limit in 2018 before suffering a dramatic 3-2 defeat after leading by two goals, while at Qatar 2022 they reached the Round of 16 after memorable victories over Germany and Spain before losing to Croatia on penalties.

“Over the past few years, they have beaten Brazil, Germany, Spain and England,” Zico said. “They really are ready for whatever comes their way.”

According to Zico, Japan’s progress extends beyond technical and tactical improvements.

“Of course the team has improved tactically, but the bigger issue for Japan was always psychological,” he explained. “They now know how to deal with adversity and can respond when they fall behind.”

Reflecting on the 2006 defeat to Brazil, he suggested today's Japanese side would have managed the situation differently.

“In 2006, we had to win by two goals to go through. We went 1-0 up and then let one in just before the break. The team today has more experience and they would keep hold of the ball and see out the first half. Back then they didn’t.”

Zico also joked about Brazil legend Ronaldo's decisive impact in that match.

“Had we started the second half ahead, things might have been different, but Ronaldo scored a header right at the death,” he said. “And he has the nerve to say I’m his idol? The only header he ever scored was against me.”

Japan are currently coached by Hajime Moriyasu, who guided the team to famous victories over Germany and Spain at Qatar 2022 and became the first Japan manager to have his contract renewed after a World Cup campaign.

“I played against him in Japan – and his brother,” Zico said. “He had great technique and real quality. He’s another midfielder who became a great coach.”

The Brazilian icon also revealed he shares a personal connection with both Moriyasu and Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, having faced each of them during his playing career.

“I remember them both very well,” he said. “They were defensive midfielders. Thankfully, neither of them played dirty. They could both really play and had great technique. It’s why they read the game differently today.”

While Zico's heart remains firmly with Brazil, he believes Japan have earned their place among football’s most competitive nations and are fully prepared to test the Selecao once again on the World Cup stage.