Fabrício Bruno and Hugo Souza ruled out for Brazil’s rematch against Japan

Brazil do not get many chances to rewrite history in a hurry. They are getting one on November 16, 2025, against Japan, and the two players most associated with the last chapter’s disaster will not be part of it.

Defender Fabrício Bruno and goalkeeper Hugo Souza have both been ruled out of Brazil’s upcoming friendly against Japan.

How we got here

On October 14, 2025, Brazil lost 3-2 to Japan in a friendly match. It was the first time in football history that Japan had beaten Brazil.

Both Bruno and Souza were on the pitch that night. Both were widely criticized for defensive lapses that contributed to the result.

For Souza, the timing carried extra weight. The Corinthians goalkeeper had earned his first senior cap for the national team in that very match.

Bruno, the Cruzeiro center-back, had come into the October camp on the back of strong club form. The coach has since opted for alternatives at both positions.

Why the rematch carries real weight

Brazil squandered a 2-0 lead before falling 3-2, and Japanese media reportedly noted the absence of Bruno and Souza as meaningful ahead of the November fixture in the context of 2026 World Cup preparation.

Souza’s case is particularly instructive. Earning a first cap is a milestone any player works years toward, and the coaching staff has determined that the November match is not the moment to give him another shot at it.

Bruno had built enough of a reputation to earn his place in the squad on the back of strong domestic performances, but the coaching staff did not retain him following the October result.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.