Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic late winner as Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in the World Cup Round of 32, booking their place in the RO16
Brazil booked their place in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Gabriel Martinelli’s late strike sealed a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over a spirited Japan in Houston. The Selecao were pushed to the limit by the Samurai Blue but found a way through in the closing moments to continue their march toward a sixth world title.
A late goal sees Brazil into the next round! 🇧🇷#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 29, 2026
The opening exchanges were played at a lively tempo, with both sides looking comfortable in possession and eager to attack. Brazil enjoyed the greater share of the ball early on, forcing goalkeeper Zion Suzuki into action when he brilliantly tipped Matheus Cunha’s low drive around the post after 14 minutes.
Despite both teams building a reputation for entertaining football during the tournament, clear-cut chances were limited for much of the first half. Japan remained disciplined at the back while waiting for opportunities to strike on the counter, frustrating Brazil’s star-studded attack.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 29th minute through Kaishu Sano. After collecting a loose ball near the halfway line, the midfielder surged past Casemiro before unleashing a superb low strike from distance that beat Alisson Becker and nestled into the bottom corner, stunning the Brazilian supporters.
Brazil struggled to recover before the interval and headed into the dressing room trailing. Carlo Ancelotti responded immediately after the restart by introducing Endrick, whose energy transformed the tempo of Brazil’s attack.
Zion Suzuki continued to produce outstanding saves, denying Bruno Guimaraes before combining with Takehiro Tomiyasu to somehow keep Casemiro’s diving header from crossing the line. However, the veteran midfielder finally found the breakthrough just before the hour mark, powering home a far-post header from Gabriel Magalhaes’ inviting cross to level the contest.
With momentum firmly behind them, Brazil pushed relentlessly for a winner. Vinicius Junior almost produced one of the goals of the tournament after weaving through Japan’s defence, only to see his delicate finish tipped onto the crossbar.
Japan still threatened occasionally, with Ayase Ueda forcing Alisson into a smart save, but their attacking threat gradually faded under Brazil’s relentless pressure.
The winning moment came in the 89th minute when Bruno Guimaraes picked out Gabriel Martinelli at the far post. The Arsenal winger kept his composure before curling a superb finish beyond Suzuki to seal a dramatic victory.
🇧🇷 Brazil have qualified for the Round of 16!#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 29, 2026
The result extends Brazil’s impressive record against Japan, who remain without a competitive victory over the Selecao, while Ancelotti’s side move one step closer to a mouthwatering showdown with Argentina later in the tournament.
When Brazil needed a hero.#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/CG8oKR0JbP
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 29, 2026
