Zico has warned Brazil that Japan could pose a serious threat in the Round of 32 stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Brazilian football legend Zico has warned his home nation not to underestimate Japan ahead of the two sides' Round of 32 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to him, the Blue Samurai have developed into a far more competitive side, and possess the quality to cause real difficulties for Brazil.

The Samba Team are scheduled to face Japan at Houston Stadium, United States, in the early hours of Tuesday WIB. This knockout fixture is predicted to be one of the most exciting matches of the phase, following Japan's rapid football development over recent years.

"Japan now operates at a far more competitive level. Their players now move to Europe, just as Brazilian and South American players did in the past," Zico stated, in remarks quoted from the official FIFA website on Saturday.

Zico's statement is not unfounded. He holds deep emotional ties to Japanese football. After spending the majority of his playing career with Flamengo, he concluded his professional playing journey with Japanese club Sumitomo Metals between 1991 and 1994.

His career in the Land of the Rising Sun continued long after he hung up his boots. Zico went on to manage Kashima Antlers, before being appointed head coach of the Japanese national team for a four year tenure, running from after the 2002 World Cup through to the end of the 2006 World Cup.

At the 2006 World Cup, Zico was in Japan's dugout when the two nations met for the first time ever at a World Cup finals. On that occasion, the Blue Samurai were beaten 1-4 by the Selecao in the group stage.

Despite being a Brazilian citizen, Zico confirmed he gave his full support to Japan during that match, as he was the Blue Samurai's head coach at the time.

"Of course that was an incredibly emotional moment. Before the match I told the players that I would sing the Brazilian national anthem, just as I had been taught to from childhood. But once the match started, every single part of me was supporting Japan," Zico recalled about his feelings on that day.

This upcoming 2026 World Cup Round of 32 fixture will add another chapter to the long history between the two nations. According to 11v11 records, this match will mark the 15th meeting between Brazil and Japan, after the sides first faced each other in a friendly fixture back in 1989.

Historically Brazil have dominated the head-to-head record. From the previous 14 meetings, the Selecao claimed the vast majority of victories. However Japan carry positive momentum into this clash, having won the most recent meeting between the sides last October with a 3-2 scoreline.

This result is proof that Japan are no longer just makeweight participants on the world football stage. The success of their players breaking into elite European competitions has raised the Blue Samurai's overall playing standard significantly.

While Zico still hopes Brazil will come out victorious, he stated he will not be disappointed if Japan manage to pull off an upset. He noted that both sides have attractive football philosophies, making this match one to look forward to.

"I will be supporting Brazil. At the end of the day, I am Brazilian. But if Japan wins? So be it. All I know is this will be a fantastic match, because Japan plays proper football," concluded the 73 year old Zico.