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Is Vinicius Junior Playing Today?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Faizan Mirza | Last updated Nov 14, 2026 3:06 AM ET

Vinicius Junior is fit for Brazil’s international friendly against Japan on Saturday, November 14, at the Singapore National Stadium.

The Real Madrid striker is in the squad for the international match and should be at the forefront of the Selecao’s attack alongside Estevao and Raphinha, as Ancelotti has included him.

The match kicks off at 6:15 p.m. local time in Singapore (10:15 a.m. GMT).

Is Vinicius Junior Playing Against Japan?

Yes, Vinicius Junior is available and will be used against Japan. The Real Madrid striker has been training with the Brazilian team in Singapore and is not on the team’s injury list.

Vinicius Junior #7 of Brazil and teammates prepare for kick off before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Scotland and Brazil at Miami Stadium on June 24, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Hannah Peters – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)Photo by Hannah Peters - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Ancelotti is likely to start the game with a fairly solid squad against Japan and will use the match to test his preferred players before making more tweaks for the next friendly against Singapore on November 17.

Vinicius will be in his usual left-wing role, with Estevao attacking from the right. Raphinha is another option, although his playing time could be managed following his recent muscle injury.

Brazil vs. Japan Lineups

Brazil predicted lineup (4-3-3): Pedro Morisco; Wesley, Jair Cunha, Gabriel Magalhaes, Douglas Santos; Bruno Guimaraes, Andrey Santos, Rayan; Estevao, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior.

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Japan predicted lineup (3-4-2-1): Zion Suzuki; Ayumu Seko, Ko Itakura, Hiroki Ito; Yukinari Sugawara, Ao Tanaka, Daichi Kamada, Shuto Nakano; Takefusa Kubo, Ritsu Doan; Daizen Maeda.

Brazil is without Joao Pedro (thigh injury) and Alisson Becker, Marquinhos, and Matheus Cunha. Japan also has some notable absentees in the form of Kaoru Mitoma, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Ayase Ueda.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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