Ancelotti: Japan is one of the best teams.

The Brazilian national team coach, Italian Carlo Ancelotti, said on Sunday that "no clear candidate has emerged so far" to win the 2026 World Cup, on the eve of the match against Japan in the Round of 32, describing the Asian team as "very tough, very organized, and of high quality."

Ancelotti, who took charge of the "Seleção" in May 2025, stated: "Some teams may have performed better than others during the group stage, but I don't think there is a clear candidate for the title yet. In my opinion, the tournament will be highly competitive and balanced."

The Italian coach added that Japan is among the best teams in the world, emphasizing that the match is of great importance for Brazil. He said: "We are preparing for this match as if it were a final, because for us, it is indeed a final."

The former Real Madrid coach confirmed that his team will need to show "mental toughness, a big heart, and clarity of mind," adding: "I believe the team is ready, motivated, and confident."

For his part, the captain of the Brazilian national team, Marquinhos, noted that global football has seen a significant leveling of standards in recent years, pointing out that recent World Cup editions have seen major teams fall to opponents who were not ranked among the top tier.

The Paris Saint-Germain defender stated that the Japanese national team "has proven capable of competing with the top teams," affirming that the encounter will not be easy.

Marquinhos explained that the Brazilian national team has gone through a turbulent period, both on and off the field, in recent years, but it has gradually regained its confidence, both among the players and the fans.

The 32-year-old Brazilian international concluded by saying: "We have made many changes, and I believe we have also developed as a team during the recent matches."