After co-hosts Canada kicked off the knockout stages with a dramatic last-minute win over South Africa on Sunday night, fans can look forward to a packed schedule of round-of-32 matches on Monday.

The early kick-off looks set to be a cracking contest, with perennial heavyweights and five-time World Cup champions Brazil taking on a Japan side that impressed throughout the group phase.

The winners in Houston will secure a place in the last-16, where they will face either Ivory Coast or Norway. Although Brazil enter as clear favourites, Japan have shown enough resilience to suggest they could spring a surprise.

Both teams advanced from their respective groups unbeaten. Brazil’s toughest challenge came in a 1-1 draw against 2022 semi-finalists Morocco, while they comfortably dispatched Scotland and Haiti with minimal fuss.

Japan, meanwhile, began their campaign with a spirited 2-2 draw against the Netherlands — a result that showcased the trademark determination of the Samurai Blue. They then overwhelmed Tunisia 4-0 before earning a 1-1 draw with Sweden, which was enough for both teams to progress.

Recent meetings between these sides point towards an entertaining encounter at the home of the Houston Texans. When they met last October, Japan earned their first-ever victory over Brazil in 14 attempts, triumphing 3-2 in a thrilling contest.

That result was part of a run that has seen Japan defeat top sides such as England, Ghana and Scotland, with coach Hajime Moriyasu moulding a unit capable of competing fearlessly against any opponent.

Both teams found the net seven times in the group stage, and Japan now boast a 10-match unbeaten streak during which they have scored in every game. That makes a high-scoring affair the most likely outcome here.

The question remains whether Japan possess enough depth and quality to stand toe-to-toe with such illustrious opponents if the match turns into a shootout. Despite Raphinha being unavailable for the Seleção, Carlo Ancelotti’s side still have a wealth of attacking talent that could prove decisive.

Vinicius Junior is expected to be the key man for Brazil. Having scored four times during the group stage, the forward appears revitalised under Ancelotti at this World Cup — their shared history from their time at Real Madrid clearly paying dividends.

We are anticipating a thrilling contest, with Japan matching Brazil for much of the game before the South Americans’ depth and experience see them pull ahead late on.

Score prediction: Brazil 3-2 Japan