Brazil Leave It Late to Beat Japan 2-1 and Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16
Brazil came from behind to defeat Japan 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 in Houston. Kaishu Sano gave Japan the lead in the 29th minute before Casemiro equalised in the 56th. Gabriel Martinelli struck in the 90+5th minute to seal Brazil’s dramatic victory.
Brazil will now face the winner of Côte d'Ivoire versus Norway in the Round of 16. In the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, Brazil produced a dramatic late comeback to beat Japan 2-1 at Houston Stadium and book a place in the Round of 16. Carlo Ancelotti's side will now face the winner of the Côte d'Ivoire versus Norway match on 5 July at New York New Jersey Stadium as their chase for a sixth World Cup title continues. Japan stunned Brazil in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano intercepted an under hit pass, drove into open space and scored his first international goal with a composed right footed finish.
The Samurai Blue carried their 1-0 advantage into the break and looked set for a famous upset. Brazil responded strongly after half time. Casemiro equalised in the 56th minute with a powerful header from Gabriel Magalhaes' precise delivery. Vinicius Junior then came close to putting Brazil ahead, only to see his effort strike the post after an excellent save from goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. With the match heading towards extra time, Brazil finally found the breakthrough in stoppage time.
Bruno Guimaraes set up Gabriel Martinelli, who scored in the 90+5th minute to complete the turnaround and seal a 2-1 victory. Casemiro was named the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match, while Martinelli's winner marked his fifth international goal and his third in the United States. Japan's hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time ended despite a spirited display.