Is Neymar Starting in the World Cup Today? Brazil Starting XI vs. Japan

Neymar was a surprising add to Brazil’s World Cup roster — especially with a calf injury keeping him out of the first two matches of the group stage. He made his World Cup 2026 debut as a substitute with 14 minutes on Matchday 3 vs. Scotland. 

His return, paired with Raphinha suffering a muscle injury in his right thigh, has sparked Neymar’s campaign to start in what’s likely his final World Cup. Brazil may need all the help they can get in what’s an extremely difficult path to a potential World Cup Final, beginning with Monday’s match vs. Japan at 1 p.m. ET on FOX.

Will Neymar start in the World Cup match vs. Japan today, or will he remain in a substitute role with a potential increase in minutes? Let’s look at if Neymar will start and highlight Neymar picks for Brazil vs. Japan — featuring World Cup projections on PrizePicks.

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Is Neymar Starting Today in the World Cup Game vs. Japan?

Following Raphinha’s injury, Neymar was a potential replacement at right wing. However, Brazil went with the 19-year-old Rayan at right wing on Matchday 3 vs. Scotland.

While Rayan has yet to find the back of the net, the emerging winger has tallied 1 assist, 0.44 expected goals (xG) per 90 (86th percentile), 3.41 chances created per 90 (92nd percentile), and 1.36 big chances created per 90 (95th percentile), per FotMob. 

Considering Rayan’s solid play thus far, Neymar will likely remain a substitute. That’s further emphasized by Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti stating Neymar can play more than 15 minutes and that his role will depend on the context and evolution of the match. That doesn’t sound like someone preparing to make the starting lineup while playing a full 90 minutes.

Let’s look at the projected Brazil starting lineup for today’s Round of 32 fixture.

Projected Brazil Lineup vs. Japan

Brazil’s projected starting lineup vs. Japan keeps Rayan as a right winger, while Vinícius Júnior and Cunha round out the front line.

Predicted Brazil XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Casemiro, Guimarães, Paquetá; Rayan, Cunha, Vinícius Júnior

Find our full Brazil vs. Japan prediction and lineups here!

Neymar Pick, World Cup Stats to Target vs. Japan

In 14 minutes vs. Scotland, Neymar logged 1 shot on target, 2 touches in the opposition box, 13 passes attempted, and 3 chances created. While he was in a limited role, the veteran was extremely efficient with quick production.

Ancelotti alluded to Neymar getting increased minutes vs. Japan, and if that’s the case, that turns our eye to his projections vs. Japan on PrizePicks.

• 1.5 Shots (Goblin)
• 0.5 Shots on Target (Goblin)
• 0.5 Assists (Demon)
• 0.5 Goals (Demon)
• 1.5 Fouls Drawn (Goblin)

Now that we have the full picture of Neymar’s projected stats vs. Japan, where could he thrive in Brazil’s first knockout match at World Cup 2026?

Brazil FW Neymar vs. Japan

Projections via PrizePicks: 1.5 Shots (Goblin), 0.5 Shots on Target (Goblin)

• In only 14 minutes, Neymar still managed to record 1 shot on target vs. Scotland. 
• Paired with a 92.3% pass success rate and 3 chances created in limited action, Brazil may immediately give the legendary dribbler a chance to work his magic.
• According to Opta Analyst, Japan has allowed 73.91% of shots in the box (sixth-highest), aiding Neymar’s chances of getting close to goal.
• Over four CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying matches, Neymar logged 2.01 shots on target per 90 on 4.01 shots per match, once again showcasing his ability to shoot on target.
• Japan has also won only 47.6% of ground duels through three matches (12th-lowest). Neymar’s high-quality dribbling could burn Samurai Blue, perhaps leading to more good looks on goal.

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Make Brazil vs. Japan World Cup 2026 Picks on PrizePicks

While Neymar will likely continue to come off the bench throughout World Cup 2026, his minutes could increase as he works toward becoming fully fit. Neymar provided quick work vs. Scotland. Will that level of efficiency carry over to Monday’s win-or-go-home match vs. Japan?

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