England Tops Group L on 7 Points, Draws DR Congo in World Cup Last 32

Q: Who is the bigger quarter-final threat: five-time champions Brazil or the Japanese team that recently beat England?

Japan look like the bigger immediate quarter-final threat to England. Brazil still carry the heavier name: five World Cup titles, elite attackers and Carlo Ancelotti on the bench. They topped Group C and Vinicius Jr has been productive. But the available reporting also points to vulnerabilities. Their midfield has come under scrutiny, and broader form around this cycle has been less convincing than Brazil’s reputation suggests. Japan, by contrast, arrive with stronger evidence of being a difficult matchup for England specifically. They recently beat England 1-0 in a March 2026 friendly, and that matters because it is direct, recent evidence rather than historical aura. They have also impressed at this World Cup, including a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in a game widely praised for its quality. Under Hajime Moriyasu, Japan’s flexible 3-4-2-1, aggressive pressing and technical control make them a tactically awkward opponent. The personnel also fit the threat profile. Takefusa Kubo gives them creativity between the lines, Ayase Ueda offers a focal point up front, and Zion Suzuki has added security in goal. England would also remember how Japan’s structure and discipline disrupted them in that recent defeat. Brazil remain the more decorated and probably the more individually gifted side. Over a long view, they are the bigger global danger. But if the question is who looks like the more dangerous quarter-final opponent for this England team, right now it is Japan.

3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 28

Seven points from wins over Croatia and Panama plus a draw with Ghana sent England into the knockout stage as Group L winners.
DR Congo await in Atlanta on 1 July after finishing third in Group K; the 46th-ranked side conceded only three group-stage goals and reached the knockouts for the first time.
A win would likely send Thomas Tuchel's team to Mexico City for a last-16 tie with either unbeaten Mexico or Ecuador, with altitude at the 7,000-foot Azteca a potential factor.
England's quarter-final path could bring Brazil, Japan, Ivory Coast or Norway, while a deeper run may set up a semi-final against defending champions Argentina.