Teenage star Rayan ‘living the dream’ at World Cup as Brazil target last-16 spot

Brazil winger Rayan admits he is “living a dream” by competing at his first ever World Cup ahead of their round-of-32 clash with Japan on Monday.

Following their 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opening fixture of the tournament, the Selecao have flexed their attacking muscles by reeling off back-to-back 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side will now face a tougher test for a place in the last 16 as they come up against a team who were also unbeaten in the group stage.

Bournemouth winger Rayan had only earned two caps for Brazil ahead of the World Cup so may have been slightly surprised by his call-up to the major tournament, but the 19-year-old is enjoying every minute of being a part of the squad.

He told a press conference: “I’m living a dream being here at the World Cup at 19 years old.

“I came on looking at the stadium, remembering the moments I’ve already been through. To be playing in a World Cup, for the first time as a starter, we know all the hardship we’ve gone through.

“It’s a huge source of pride to be here. To step onto the pitch there and be as natural as possible, and things will flow naturally.”

Japan finished second behind the Netherlands in Group F having beaten Tunisia 4-0 between a pair of draws against the Dutch and Sweden.

The last time the two sides met was back in a friendly fixture in October 2025 where Japan ran out 3-2 winners and will be using that as extra confidence heading into the fixture.

Rayan is under no illusions about the quality that Japan have in their ranks.

He added: “In the group stage, we know we can fix our mistakes. But now it’s do or die.

“We know the Japan team has many quality players, but we have an incredible group of players. It’s going to be a tough match, but we’ll give our best and work throughout the week to come away with the win.”

Rayan is among a whole host of attacking talents in the Brazilian side but has still managed to feature in two of three Brazil’s games so far despite competing for positions with the likes of Neymar, Endrick and Vinicius Junior.

Rayan talked up the strength of the current group.

He said: “Our group is very strong, with quality players. If one comes off and another comes on, I think it’ll be the same.

“If I come off, Endrick will come on; if I come off, Neymar will come on. Day by day, Ancelotti picks the players who are in the best form at the moment, and I think it’s working out.”