Brazil's next World Cup foe and full path to the final
Brazil's next World Cup opponent will be either Ivory Coast or Norway. After a 2-1 comeback win over Japan on June 29 in Houston, Carlo Ancelotti's side advances to the round of 16. The prximo jogo brasil copa path now points to Sunday, July 5, at 5 p.m. Brasília time in New Jersey, once Ivory Coast and Norway decide their qualifier on June 30 in Dallas.
Key Takeaways
- Brazil beat Japan 2-1 on June 29 at NRG Stadium, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring the stoppage-time winner after Casemiro equalized.
- The round-of-16 opponent is the winner of Ivory Coast vs. Norway on June 30 at 2 p.m. Brasília time in Dallas.
- Brazil's next match is July 5 at 5 p.m. in New Jersey; quarter-finals, semi-final, and final are set for July 11, 15, and 19.
- Possible later foes include England in the quarters and Argentina in a semi-final, per the fixed bracket.
- European heavyweights such as Germany, Spain, France, and the Netherlands sit on the opposite side of the draw.
What happened in Brazil vs. Japan?
Brazil opened its knockout run against Japan, the Group F runner-up, on Monday, June 29, at 2 p.m. Brasília time in Houston. Kaishu Sano put Japan ahead after a defensive error, but Casemiro headed in the equalizer early in the second half.
Gabriel Martinelli sealed a 2-1 win deep in stoppage time, sending the five-time champions into the round of 16. The result kept Brazil unbeaten in the tournament and ended Japan's campaign after one win, two draws, and one loss.
Who will Brazil face in the round of 16?
That slot goes to the winner of Ivory Coast and Norway. Both finished second in their groups with six points: Ivory Coast in Group E behind Germany, and Norway in Group I behind France. They meet on Tuesday, June 30, at 2 p.m. Brasília time at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.
Per GE's bracket breakdown, Brazil was always due to face a second-place team from Groups E and I if it advanced past Japan. Norway brings Erling Haaland; Ivory Coast counters with rising talent such as Yan Diomandé.
What is Brazil's full path to the World Cup final?
If Brazil wins on July 5, the quarter-final is Saturday, July 11, at 6 p.m. in Miami. CNN Brasil lists England, Mexico, Ecuador, and DR Congo as possible opponents at that stage. England, the Group L winner, would be the headline clash.
A semi-final would follow on Wednesday, July 15, at 4 p.m. in Atlanta. Argentina shares Brazil's half of the bracket, so a South American derby could only happen there—not earlier. Other semi possibilities include Colombia, Switzerland, Australia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, and Cape Verde.
The final is Sunday, July 19, at 4 p.m. at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey—the same venue Brazil could reach only by beating Europe's top contenders on the other side of the draw, including Germany, Spain, France, and the Netherlands. For broader coverage beyond the pitch, browse our Future Tech & AI Wonders section.
When and where is each Brazil knockout game?
ESPN Brasil's tournament schedule locks in the dates and host cities through the final. Round of 16: July 5, New Jersey. Quarter-finals: July 11, Miami. Semi-final: July 15, Atlanta. Final: July 19, New Jersey.
All kickoff times follow Brasília time, as reported by CNN Brasil and GE. Brazil's route is now clearer than at the group stage—but every round remains win-or-go-home on the road to a sixth title.