The Road to Glory: World Cup favourites Brazil and the Netherlands face tough tests against Japan and Morocco in the Round of 32

Brazil won Group C and will face the Blue Samurai in the Round of 32. (Image credits - CommonsWikipedia, License Details)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has provided plenty of drama, surprises, and memorable moments in the group stages. However, as we move forward, the knockout stages are already set for two exciting clashes.

Two of the most anticipated Round of 32 matches have been confirmed, with the Netherlands taking on Morocco and Brazil facing a brave Japanese team carrying the weight and expectations of Asian football.

The Netherlands won comfortably 3-1 over Tunisia to claim first place in Group F. Ronald Koeman's side finished the group stage with seven points, two points over Japan. The Netherlands have been one of the most entertaining and balanced teams in the World Cup. They have not only a strong defence but also a free-flowing attack, scoring ten goals in just three games.

However, they have conceded goals due to lapses in concentration, which they would like to improve as they enter the World Cup knockout stages, where there is no room for error.

The Dutch will face Morocco, who have maintained their form since the Qatar World Cup nearly four years ago. The Atlas Lions finished second to Brazil in Group C. Built on pure tactical discipline, they look even better now, with one of the most underrated attacking qualities up front and one of the most unpredictable teams in the tournament.

Their match against the Netherlands promises to be an equal battle between two technically gifted teams, with no favourites.

“I’m not sure if we are the favourite in the match against Morocco. We need to prepare for Morocco, because it’ll be a big game. It’s a good team with a lot of quality, and they can score easily,” said the Dutch boss Ronald Koeman. (sic)

“The pace, the positions, to create more, to get more people in between the lines, and without the ball, we can be more compact sometimes.” (sic)

He further added, “We need to transition faster, or go back, or forwards, all of us together, so there’s room for improvement. You never stop learning in football. There are always moments in a game where, as a trainer, you think there’s room for improvement.” (sic)

Brazil and Japan will face off in the second captivating game. The Selecao won Group C with an undefeated group stage record. After a slow start against Morocco, which resulted in a 1-1 draw, the five-time world champions picked up the pace and won 3-0 against Haiti and Scotland.

Coached by the experienced Carlos Ancelotti and led up front by a lethal attack featuring Vinicius Jr and Matheus Cunha in form, they are the clear favourites to win the World Cup despite not impressing in the qualifying campaign.

Japan will not make it easy for Brazil, which finished second in Group F after a tie with Graham Potter's Sweden. The Blue Samurai have impressed throughout the group stage with their tactical discipline, work ethic, and ability to overcome obstacles.

They've already demonstrated their ability to compete with the best teams in Europe, and now they have the opportunity to write one of football's greatest stories by knocking out five-time champions Brazil in the Round of 32, which would be a historic achievement for the Land of the Rising Sun.

Hajime Moriyasu's men defeated Brazil 3-2 in a friendly last year, demonstrating that his team is capable of pulling off another upset in this World Cup. Brazil has the quality and experience at this stage, but Japan has every reason to believe and move on to the next stage.

The expanded 48-team World Cup has already produced spectacular stories, and the Round of 32 matches will be far from simple and straightforward. The favourites must be at their best, while the dreamers see an opportunity to make more history in the beautiful game. 

“Japan is at a more competitive level now. 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,” said Brazil legend Zico on them facing Japan. (sic)

He further added, “Those campaigns show how far Japan has come. That’s the World Cup for you. Japan is prepared to face anyone. Over the past few years, they have beaten Brazil, Germany, Spain and England. They really are ready for whatever comes their way.” (sic)