HOUSTON, Texas — Brazil survived a major scare and booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan, sealed by Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time winner after Casemiro had cancelled out Kaishu Sano’s first-half strike.
In a tense knockout contest at Houston Stadium on Monday night, Japan threatened one of the tournament’s biggest upsets before Brazil’s experience and attacking depth finally told in the closing moments.
Japan stun Brazil in first half
Brazil dominated possession from the opening whistle, but Japan’s disciplined defensive shape frustrated the five-time world champions and limited clear-cut opportunities.
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute. After Brazil lost possession in midfield, Kaishu Sano surged forward, skipped past Casemiro and drilled a low right-footed effort into the bottom corner beyond Alisson, sparking wild celebrations among the Japanese fans.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side struggled to find rhythm before the break despite seeing most of the ball. Vinicius Junior, Lucas Paqueta and Matheus Cunha were repeatedly crowded out by Japan’s energetic pressing, and the Selecao went into halftime trailing 1-0.
Casemiro leads Brazil comeback
Ancelotti responded by introducing teenage striker Endrick at the start of the second half, and Brazil immediately looked more threatening.
Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki was called into action several times as Brazil increased the pressure. The equaliser finally arrived in the 56th minute when Gabriel floated a cross to the back post and Casemiro rose highest to head home.
The veteran midfielder nearly scored moments earlier, only for Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu to clear off the line in a desperate goalmouth scramble.
Brazil sensed the momentum had shifted. Vinicius Junior dazzled down the left, striking the post after a brilliant solo run, while Martinelli and Endrick both threatened as Japan were forced deeper into their own half.
Martinelli breaks Japanese hearts
Just as extra time seemed inevitable, Japan gifted Brazil the decisive moment.
In the 96th minute, a loose pass from the Japanese defence was seized upon by Bruno Guimaraes, who slipped the ball into Gabriel Martinelli. The Arsenal forward shifted the ball onto his right foot and calmly steered his finish in off the post to send the Brazilian supporters into celebration.
Japan launched one final attack, but Brazil held firm through nine minutes of added time to secure their place in the next round.
Key performers
Casemiro (Brazil): The midfielder endured a difficult first half but responded with a crucial equaliser and led Brazil’s push after the break.
Gabriel Martinelli (Brazil): Introduced in the second half, he brought urgency and direct running before scoring the dramatic winner.
Kaishu Sano (Japan): Outstanding in midfield and gave Japan hope with a superbly taken opening goal.
Zion Suzuki (Japan): Produced several important saves and kept Japan in the contest until the final moments.
What it means
Brazil advance to the Round of 16 after a performance that highlighted both their attacking quality and their vulnerability against organised opposition. Japan exit the tournament with credit after pushing one of the favourites to the brink and delivering one of the strongest displays by an Asian side in the knockout stage.
