Brazil Arrive in Singapore to Face Japan and the Lions in Their Last Matches of 2026
Carlo Ancelotti's young squad plays two friendlies at the National Stadium in The Kallang Football Series, starting with a World Cup rematch against Japan on 14 November.
Brazil's players began arriving in Singapore at the weekend for the national team's final international window of 2026, two friendlies at the National Stadium in the Mizuho Blue Challenge – The Kallang Football Series.
The five-time world champions face Japan on Saturday, 14 November, and Singapore on Tuesday, 17 November. The four-team series opens on 13 November with Singapore against Paraguay and closes on 17 November with Japan against Paraguay, after Brazil's match with the hosts.
A World Cup rematch first
The meeting with Japan is a rematch of the two sides' round-of-32 tie at this year's World Cup, which Brazil won 2-1, according to The Star. Japan have become one of Asia's most consistent teams, and the match is likely to be the toughest test of the trip.
The second fixture is a rare occasion for Singapore. The Lions will play Brazil at the National Stadium, the venue that was confirmed when the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced the tour in September.
Ancelotti looks to the next generation
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti named a 26-man squad on 29 October. It mixes established stars with young players: 15 members of the squad are 23 or younger.
The experienced core includes Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr, Barcelona's Raphinha and the Arsenal pair Gabriel Magalhães and Bruno Guimarães. Among the younger names are Chelsea winger Estêvão, 19, and Real Madrid striker Endrick.
With no competitive matches until the new year, the friendlies give Ancelotti a chance to test those young players against strong opposition from Asia and South America before the 2027 season begins.
A big week for football in Singapore
For Singapore, the series brings two World Cup sides from Asia and South America and the most successful team in World Cup history to Kallang within five days. Tickets went on sale through The Kallang's website, with prices starting at 28 Singapore dollars for Singapore against Paraguay and 98 Singapore dollars for Brazil against Japan, The Star reported.
For the Lions, the matches against Paraguay and Brazil are a measuring stick against two South American sides. For Brazil, they are the last chance in 2026 for players to stake a claim for a regular place in Ancelotti's team.
