In September 1997, Lopes obtained Japanese citizenship. Immediately after this, he was selected the Japan national team for 1998 World Cup qualification. At this qualification, on September 28, he debuted against South Korea. After the debut, he played 6 games and scored 3 goals at World Cup qualification and Japan won the qualify for 1998 World Cup first time Japan's history. At 1998 World Cup, he played all 3 matches. In third match against Jamaica, he assisted Masashi Nakayama goal. This goal is the first goal for Japan in the history of the World Cup. He also played at 1999 Copa América and scored 2 goals. He played 20 games and scored 5 goals for Japan until 1999.