Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has described his side’s Round of 32 encounter against Japan as their “first final” of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging his players to remain calm and focused in the knockout stages.

The five-time world champions will face Japan in Houston, with Ancelotti insisting the Seleção cannot afford to underestimate an opponent that defeated them 3-2 in an international friendly last October.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti stressed that knockout football demands mental strength as much as technical quality.

“We’ll need a very strong mentality, a lot of heart, and clear ideas. We have to be ready for anything that can happen in a knockout match because in these games, anything really can happen,” Ancelotti said.

Despite the challenge, the veteran Italian remains optimistic about his team’s chances.

He added, “I believe the team is ready, motivated and confident. The last two matches went well, and we’ll be prepared for any situation.”

Ancelotti urged his players not to become overwhelmed by the significance of the occasion, reminding them that success depends on executing their game plan.

“In the end, it’s still a football match, even if it’s part of an extraordinary event like the World Cup. You have to know how to handle the pressure by staying focused on what needs to be done on the pitch,” he explained.

The former Real Madrid boss also highlighted the importance of teamwork against a disciplined Japanese side.

He added, “We’ll have to take care of every aspect, both defensively and offensively, playing as a team. We’re facing a strong, organised and quality opponent, so having clear ideas will be crucial.”

The Brazil coach also provided an encouraging update on Neymar’s fitness ahead of the knockout encounter. The forward has gradually increased his training workload after an interrupted preparation for the tournament.

“He’s improving a lot. In the last week, he’s made great progress. It’s a shame he couldn’t train consistently from the start of the camp, but now he’s able to work for longer periods and is in good condition,” Ancelotti revealed.

However, Ancelotti stopped short of confirming whether Neymar would feature against Japan.

“Whether he plays will depend on the context and how the match unfolds,” he added.

With a place in the Round of 16 at stake, Brazil will be aiming to avoid an upset against an ambitious Japanese side and continue their pursuit of a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup title.

Nigerian international Maduka Okoye has become a hot commodity in the summer transfer window following an impressive season with Udinese in Serie A.

The goalkeeper was a standout performer for the Italian club, securing ten clean sheets in 30 appearances and establishing himself as one of the league’s most reliable shot-stoppers.

Okoye has also excelled for the Super Eagles, stepping up in the absence of Stanley Nwabali to deliver commanding performances.

The Udinese shotstopper had a decent outing in recent fixtures against Portugal and Poland, which has piqued the interest of top European clubs.

According to reports from Eagle Media, 16-time Turkish Süper Lig champions Beşiktaş have identified Okoye as a primary transfer target.

The Istanbul-based club is determined to build a title-contending team for new manager Vincenzo Italiano.

Strengthening their defence is a key priority for the Black Eagles after they conceded 40 goals in the league last season.

Okoye is seen as the ideal candidate to shore up their backline, with his knack for crucial saves, confidence on the ball, and commanding presence in the penalty area making him a highly sought-after player.

Udinese are believed to be open to a sale and have reportedly started searching for potential replacements.

Italian powerhouse Juventus are also linked with Okoye as part of their squad overhaul, but a formal offer has not yet materialised.

The Italian club is expected to demand a higher fee, as the 26-year-old still has two years remaining on his contract.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged that citizens’ concerns over illegal immigration are legitimate but warned that violence, intimidation and vigilantism will not be tolerated during planned nationwide protests on June 30.

In his weekly newsletter released on Monday, Ramaphosa urged protesters to exercise their constitutional right peacefully and within the confines of the law, stressing that no grievance justifies unlawful conduct.

The president said South Africans had raised genuine concerns over undocumented immigration, border management, pressure on public services, and criminal syndicates exploiting the country’s immigration system.

While affirming that the right to protest is guaranteed under South Africa’s Constitution, he cautioned that such freedom does not permit threats, intimidation, vandalism or violence.

It partly reads, “South Africans have raised deep concerns about illegal immigration, border management, pressure on public services, criminal syndicates that exploit our immigration system and the impact these challenges have on communities. These concerns are real and they deserve to be heard.

“The right to protest is enshrined in our Constitution. It is a credit to our robust democratic order that people are able to express their grievances openly. But the right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence.

“South Africa is a constitutional republic governed by the rule of law. The exercise of rights by any citizen in a constitutional democracy cannot be determined by intimidation, threats or ultimatums. It must be determined through democratic institutions, evidence and the rule of law.

Ramaphosa disclosed that his government had accepted the need for substantial reforms to the country’s immigration system, including strengthening border management, increasing enforcement against undocumented immigration, improving the integrity of asylum and visa systems, and tackling corruption that has weakened immigration controls.

“We also recognise that where our systems have failed, they must be corrected. Where corruption has enabled illegal immigration, those responsible must be held accountable. Where enforcement has been inadequate, it must improve,” it reads.

“Over the last few weeks, we have seen support for these measures and for government’s stance from across society. We have held meetings with the country’s traditional monarchs and other traditional and Khoi-San leaders, with trade union and business leaders, with the religious community and with other formations in society.

“Freedom comes with responsibility. The right to protest is one of the defining freedoms of our democracy, but every right carries corresponding responsibilities. Those who intend to protest should do so peacefully, lawfully and with respect for the rights, dignity and safety of others.”

The South African leader warned citizens against taking immigration enforcement into their own hands, describing such actions as vigilantism that have no place in a constitutional democracy.

“The authority to demand identification and enforce immigration laws belongs to government law-enforcement officers acting within the Constitution—not to private individuals,” he said.

Ramaphosa further noted that many foreign nationals residing in South Africa were lawfully in the country, contributing to the economy through work, education and investment, and remained entitled to the protection of the Constitution.

He welcomed assurances from organisers that Tuesday’s protests would remain peaceful but warned that anyone engaging in criminal acts would be held accountable.

“Where there is criminal conduct, those responsible will be held accountable and the law will take its course,” the president said.