Gabriel Martinelli scored a stoppage-time winner for Brazil as they secured a 2-1 comeback win over Japan to progress to the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
The Asian side had taken an early lead in the first half through Kaishu Sano, before Casemiro leveled matters in the second half.
Martinelli struck in stoppage time to seal victory for Brazil, as they continued their journey at the World Cup.
Sano gives Japan first half lead in Houston
Brazil had finished top of their group with seven points. They began their tournament with a 1-1 draw against Morocco, before recording 3-0 wins over Haiti and Scotland in their next two games.
Japan, meanwhile, finished second in their group having drawn Netherlands 2-2 and Sweden 1-1, while also beating Tunisia 4-0.
The game started off with both sides cautious in possession, but it was Japan who drew first blood through Sano in the 29th minute. The 25-year-old collected a ball in midfield and pushed forward before firing past Alisson to give the Asian side the lead.
Vinicius was then denied by Suzuki, as Brazil began to up the tempo in search of an equalizer. However, Japan led at the interval thanks to Sano’s early goal.
Casemiro pulls Brazil level, Martinelli seals win
Brazil continued to pile the pressure in the second half and Bruno Guimaraes was denied by a brilliant save by Suzuki. They were almost level moments after but a combination of Tomiyasu and Suzuki on the goal line kept Japan in the lead.
However, they soon got their goal as Gabriel delivered a cross into the far post and Casemiro headed in brilliantly to level the scoreline.
Vinicius was then denied by a superb save by Suzuki, who tipped the effort onto the crossbar as Brazil pushed ahead for the winner.
It looked like the game was heading for an additional 30 minutes, but Brazil struck at the death to break Japan’s hearts.
Guimaraes found Martinelli in space inside the box and the Arsenal man stroke the ball brilliantly into the net with the help of the post, sealing a comeback 2-1 win for Brazil.
The five-time world champions advance to the Round of 16 while Japan were sent crashing out of the tournament.
What Next?
Brazil have now qualified for the Round of 16 and will now face the winner of the Round of 32 tie between Ivory Coast and Norway.
