Brazil secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Japan to seal their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Gabriel Martinelli netting a stoppage-time winner.
Japan made the stronger start and stunned the five-time world champions in the 29th minute when Kaishū Sano surged forward from midfield before firing a low shot past Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession in the opening half, Brazil struggled to break down Japan’s disciplined defence and went into the interval trailing 1-0.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti made tactical adjustments after the break, introducing Endrick, whose presence injected fresh energy into Brazil’s attack. However, Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced a series of impressive saves to preserve his side’s advantage.
Brazil eventually drew level just before the hour mark when Casemiro powered home a header from Gabriel Magalhães’ cross to restore parity.
The equaliser shifted the momentum in Brazil’s favour as they intensified their search for a winner. Vinícius Júnior came close to completing the turnaround, but his effort was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Suzuki.
With extra time appearing inevitable, Bruno Guimarães delivered a precise cross to Martinelli, who curled a composed finish into the net off the inside of the post in the sixth minute of stoppage time to complete Brazil’s remarkable comeback.
The victory sends Brazil into the knockout stage, where they will face either Norway or Ivory Coast, while also keeping alive the possibility of a blockbuster clash with Argentina later in the tournament.
The result also ended Japan’s latest attempt to record a first competitive victory over Brazil and extend their World Cup journey.
The win marked Brazil’s first World Cup comeback from a half-time deficit since defeating Turkey on June 3, 2002. The South Americans also dominated possession, completing 682 passes, with defender Gabriel Magalhães attempting 135 passes, the highest by any Brazilian player at this year’s tournament.
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