Brazil snatch late win over Japan to reach World Cup last 16

Brazil clinched a dramatic 2‑1 victory against Japan to advance to the Round of 16 from the Round of 32 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Houston Stadium. Japan frustrated Brazil throughout the first half with a disciplined defensive shape, leaving little space for the Seleção to exploit. Brazil dominated possession but struggled to break down the Samurai Blue’s compact defence.

Japan’s lead and Brazil’s response

The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano intercepted a misplaced pass and drilled a low strike from outside the box past Alisson for his first international goal. Japan held the lead into the break, but Brazil emerged after half‑time with far greater intensity. Their pressure was rewarded in the 56th minute when Casemiro headed Gabriel Magalhães’ cross past Zion Suzuki to level the score.

Stoppage‑time winner

With extra time looming, Brazil delivered a heartbreaking late blow. In the 95th minute, Bruno Guimarães drove towards the edge of the area before slipping a perfectly weighted pass to Gabriel Martinelli, who squeezed his shot past Suzuki despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to it. The late winner ended Japan’s tournament and sent Brazil into the next round, where they will face either Norway or Ivory Coast.