Brazil Edge Japan Late to Reach 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16

Brazil secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after Gabriel Martinelli’s dramatic late winner sealed a 2-1 victory over Japan in Houston.

Japan stunned the five-time world champions in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano unleashed a low strike from outside the box that beat Alisson and found the bottom-left corner. It was the first goal Brazil had conceded since Morocco scored against them in their opening group match.

Japan carried their 1-0 lead into halftime, but Brazil came out strongly after the break. Bruno Guimarães tested goalkeeper Zion Suzuki with a powerful header in the 52nd minute, while Casemiro was twice denied in a frantic sequence that included a goal-line clearance.

Brazil finally equalised in the 56th minute when Casemiro headed home from a Gabriel Magalhães cross. Moments later, Vinicius Junior came close to producing a stunning solo goal, but Suzuki’s fingertip save pushed his effort onto the post.

As Japan defended resolutely, the match appeared destined for extra time until the closing moments. A costly giveaway on the edge of the box allowed Bruno Guimarães to release Gabriel Martinelli, who fired a low shot across goal. Although Suzuki got a hand to it, the ball bounced in off the post to give Brazil a dramatic winner.

Brazil will now face the winner of the Ivory Coast vs Norway Round of 32 clash in the Round of 16 on July 5 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.