Brazil secured their place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after staging a dramatic comeback to defeat Japan 2 1 in an exciting Round of 32 encounter.
Substitute Gabriel Martinelli emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal late in the game to complete Brazil’s turnaround and keep Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the tournament.
Japan made a bright start and looked on course for a famous victory when Kaishu Sano fired home from outside the penalty area in the first half after breaking past Casemiro with ease to give his side a deserved lead.
Brazil responded strongly after the restart, with Casemiro making amends for his earlier mistake. The experienced midfielder had missed a clear scoring opportunity moments earlier but quickly recovered by rising at the far post to head in Gabriel’s cross and restore parity, delighting the large number of Brazilian supporters in Houston.
The South Americans continued to pile on the pressure as Vinicius Junior nearly completed the comeback with a brilliant solo effort. However, Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced an outstanding save, pushing the shot onto the post to keep the scores level.
With the match appearing destined for extra time, Martinelli delivered the decisive moment deep into stoppage time. His close range effort slipped through Suzuki’s hands, struck the inside of the post and rolled over the line to hand Brazil a dramatic victory.
The result sends Brazil into the Round of 16, while Japan’s wait for a first ever victory in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup continues.
