- Brazil vs Japan: The Selecao snatched a dramatic 2–1 comeback win over the Samurai Blues to punch their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
- Casemiro and Martinelli delivered the second half strikes that overturned Kaishu Sano’s early opener, at Houston Stadium on Monday, June 29.
- Up next for Brazil is a Round of 16 showdown against either Norway or Ivory Coast, next week.
Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench to score a stunning stoppage-time winner as Brazil came from behind to edge a daring Japan 2-1 in Houston on Monday night and book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
It did not seem to be going well for the five-time world champions as they fell behind early before former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro and Arsenal’s Martinelli inspired a remarkable comeback.
Brazil will now turn their focus to a Round of 16 clash against either Norway or Ivory Coast.
As of Japan, who co-hosted the 2002 World Cup, the last tournament Brazil lifted the trophy, have been eliminated in the knockout stage for the eighth consecutive World Cup qualification.
It was a cagey encounter, with both sides controlling possession in midfield. Even after 27 minutes, neither team had created a clear-cut chance, although Brazil enjoyed more possession in Japan’s final third but failed to make it count.
Japan drew first blood in the 28th minute. Brazil defender Danilo attempted to play a pass into midfield for Lucas Paqueta, but his loose ball was intercepted by Sano.
The midfielder surged through Brazil’s backline before driving to the edge of the box and, with his right foot, unleashed a low cross that slipped behind Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes. Alisson Becker was too late to react as the ball found the bottom-left corner, giving Japan the lead.
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The second half saw both teams increase the intensity, but Brazil looked the more determined side in search of an equaliser.
They created two golden opportunities in quick succession. First, Bruno Guimaraes met Danilo’s cross with a powerful header, but Zion Suzuki produced a brilliant save.
Moments later, Takehiro Tomiyasu blocked Casemiro’s close-range header on the line before making another crucial clearance during a frantic goalmouth scramble.
Brazil’s pressure finally paid off. Vinicius Junior delivered an excellent cross from the left, and Magalhaes cleverly scooped the ball back into the danger area.
Casemiro, doing what he has done so many times during his career, rose above a crowded defence and powered home the equaliser.
Then, in the fifth minute of six minutes added on, Brazil completed the comeback.
Guimaraes slipped a pass into Martinelli inside the penalty area, and the Arsenal forward fired a superb strike that clipped the inside of the left post before finding the back of the net.
The dramatic winner sent the Samba Boys into the Round of 16 as they continue their quest to reclaim the World Cup title they have not won since 2002.
Brazil vs Japan – FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32– Monday, June 29, 2026
- Brazil starting lineup (4-3-3): Alisson Becker, Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Douglas Santos, Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Lucas Paquetá, Rayan, Matheus Cunha, Vinícius Júnior.
- Japan starting lineup (3-4-2-1): Zion Suzuki, Hiroki Ito, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Shogo Taniguchi, Daichi Kamada, Keito Nakamura, Ritsu Doan, Kaishu Sano, Daizen Maeda, Ayase Ueda, Junya Ito.
Read more about other World Cup teams in 2026 below:
Morocco national football team 2026
Argentina national football team 2026
Mexico national football team 2026
Spain national football team 2026
Brazil national football team 2026
France national football team 2026
Senegal national football team 2026