Japan have named a star-studded squad featuring Takefusa Kubo, Takumi Minamino and Ritsu Doan for the Mizuho Blue Challenge – The Kallang Football Series Singapore, where they will face Brazil and Paraguay at the National Stadium later this month.
Head coach Hajime Moriyasu has selected 28 players for the upcoming international friendlies, most of whom play club football overseas, including in Europe’s top leagues.
The Samurai Blue will take on five-time World Cup champions Brazil on 14 November before facing Paraguay on 17 November, as part of the four-nation series taking place from 13 to 17 November.
Singapore have also announced their 24-man squad for the tournament, with Lions head coach Gavin Lee naming Shawal Anuar, Ilhan Fandi and Hariss Harun among those selected to face Paraguay and Brazil.
Japan’s European stars set for Brazil rematch
Real Sociedad playmaker Takefusa Kubo headlines Japan’s squad after missing their World Cup clash with Brazil earlier this year due to injury.
He is joined by Bayern Munich defender Hiroki Ito, Monaco midfielder Takumi Minamino and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ritsu Doan.
Premier League players Daichi Kamada of Crystal Palace and Ao Tanaka of Leeds United have also been included, alongside Kaishu Sano of Mainz and Keito Nakamura of Lyon.
Japan’s clash with Brazil promises to be a highlight of the series, with the two nations splitting their last two meetings.
In October 2025, Japan recorded its first-ever victory over Brazil, winning 3-2 in Tokyo.
However, Brazil got their revenge at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, coming from behind to secure a dramatic 2-1 Round of 32 win with a stoppage-time winner.
The upcoming fixture will also mark the first time the two sides have met in Singapore since 2014, when Brazil claimed a 4-0 victory at the National Stadium.
Japanese supporter Todoroki Takeshi, based in Singapore, looks forward to another chance to watch the Samurai Blue take on Brazil.
“It means so much to have the chance to cheer on Samurai Blue here. Our World Cup loss to Brazil was heartbreaking, but I was really proud of how the team fought against the five-time World Cup champions,” he said.
“I also remember Japan losing 4-0 to Brazil in Singapore back in 2014. Since then, Japan has come a long way. Now, seeing the two teams meet again here in Singapore makes this match even more special.”
Lions name 24-man squad for Paraguay and Brazil fixtures
Meanwhile, Singapore head coach Gavin Lee has named a 24-man squad for the Lions’ upcoming matches against Paraguay on 13 November and Brazil on 17 November.
The fixtures follow Singapore’s historic, on-merit qualification for the AFC Asian Cup for the first time, after a 2-1 comeback win over Hong Kong in November 2025.
Shawal Anuar and Ilhan Fandi, who scored the goals that secured Singapore’s qualification, are both in the squad.
[Photo Credit: Football Association of Singapore]
Experienced players Hariss Harun, Safuwan Baharudin and Izwan Mahbud also return, alongside midfielders Song Uiyoung, Shah Shahiran and Kyoga Nakamura.
The Lions will face two formidable South American opponents: Paraguay, who reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Brazil, whose squad features some of world football’s biggest names, including Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Endrick and Estêvão.
For Singapore supporters, the fixtures offer a rare chance to watch the national team face world-class opposition on home soil.
Lions fan Ian Chan Yi Ern, 16, hopes the home crowd will turn out in force to support the team.
“It’s not every day you see former World Cup champions in your backyard. The Brazil team is loaded with good players from top European leagues, and it’s exciting to see how they fare against our local boys,” he said.
“Our Lions have already done us proud in the AFF Championship, and the least we could do is cheer them on live and give the Lions unconditional support.”
Four international fixtures at the National Stadium
The Mizuho Blue Challenge – The Kallang Football Series Singapore will feature four matches across three match days.
The tournament kicks off on 13 November with Singapore facing Paraguay, followed by Japan against Brazil the next day. On 17 November, a doubleheader will see Singapore take on Brazil, followed by Japan facing Paraguay to conclude the series.
The Mizuho Blue Challenge – The Kallang Football Series Singapore is organised by The Kallang Group and Dentsu Sports International (DSI), and marks the first proprietary sports property in The Kallang Group’s portfolio.
Remaining tickets are limited and are available through The Kallang website.
