Brazil left it late but booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to secure a 2-1 victory over Japan in Houston. Carlo Ancelotti's side came from behind after Koki Sano's first-half strike had put Japan on course for one of the tournament's biggest upsets.
With the win, five-time champions Brazil advanced to the last 16, where they will face either Norway or Ivory Coast.
Japan frustrate Brazil with disciplined first-half display
Japan entered the knockout clash with a clear defensive plan and executed it brilliantly for much of the match. Despite Brazil dominating possession, the Asian side remained compact and capitalised on one of their few attacking opportunities.
Koki Sano broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, finishing off a swift attacking move to stun the Brazilian supporters inside Houston Stadium. The goal forced Brazil to chase the game against a well-organised Japanese defence that repeatedly denied Vinicius Junior, Endrick and Martinelli clear scoring opportunities.
The South Americans went into the interval trailing 1-0 despite creating several half chances.
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Casemiro levelled the scores in the 56th minute. (X/@brfootball)
Casemiro sparks comeback before Martinelli delivers late drama
Brazil's pressure finally paid off shortly after the restart when veteran midfielder Casemiro levelled the scores in the 56th minute. The Manchester United midfielder rose highest to convert Gabriel Magalhães' delivery and restore momentum for the favourites.
From that point onwards, Brazil dominated territory while Japan defended courageously in search of extra time. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced several important saves, while the Japanese backline blocked repeated attempts inside the penalty area.
Just when penalties appeared inevitable, Bruno Guimarães split the Japanese defence with a perfectly weighted pass in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Martinelli controlled the ball brilliantly before firing a low shot that slipped past Suzuki despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to it.
The late strike sparked wild celebrations among the Brazilian players while Japanese footballers collapsed to the turf in heartbreak.
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Martinelli controlled the ball brilliantly before firing a low shot that slipped past Suzuki. (X/@brfootball)
Brazil survive scare as knockout journey continues
Although Brazil progressed, the performance highlighted areas Carlo Ancelotti will want to improve before the Round of 16. Japan exposed defensive vulnerabilities and demonstrated how disciplined organisation can frustrate even one of football's traditional powerhouses.
Martinelli's winner ensured Brazil avoided one of the biggest shocks of the tournament, but the narrow escape will serve as a warning that tougher challenges lie ahead. Japan, meanwhile, departed the competition with immense credit after pushing the South American giants to the very end in one of the most entertaining knockout matches of the World Cup so far.
