India, June 28 -- Brazil great Zico has backed his homeland ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash against Japan, but warned that the Selecao are walking into a serious knockout test against a side he believes now belongs among the world's most competitive teams.

Brazil will face Japan in a knockout meeting loaded with personal history for Zico, whose bond with Japanese football stretches back decades. The 73-year-old played for Kashima Antlers and is widely credited, along with his brother Eduardo "Edu" Antunes Coimbra, with helping shape the foundations of modern professional football in Japan.

That connection has made the Brazil-Japan tie more than just another World Cup knockout game for the former Brazil star. In a po...