June 29: Five-time champions Brazil produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat Japan 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, with substitute Gabriel Martinelli scoring a stunning winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time to send the Seleção into the Round of 16. The victory keeps Brazil’s quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup title alive, while Japan’s impressive tournament campaign came to a heartbreaking end.
Japan stunned Brazil in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano intercepted a misplaced pass in midfield before driving forward and unleashing a superb right-footed strike from outside the box to beat the goalkeeper. The goal gave the Asian side a deserved halftime lead after a disciplined defensive display that frustrated Brazil’s star-studded attack.
Brazil came out with renewed intensity after the break and created a series of chances. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki first denied Bruno Guimaraes with an excellent save before Casemiro’s header struck a defender and brushed Suzuki’s face. The pressure finally paid off in the 56th minute when Gabriel Magalhães delivered a perfect cross for Casemiro, whose powerful header found the back of the net to restore parity.
The equaliser shifted the momentum firmly in Brazil’s favour. Vinicius Junior, who has already scored four goals in the tournament, came close to giving Brazil the lead two minutes later, but Suzuki produced another important save to keep Japan in the contest. As the match appeared destined for extra time, Brazil continued to push forward in search of a winner.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 96th minute when second-half substitute Gabriel Martinelli latched onto a loose ball inside the penalty area and calmly slotted home the decisive goal, sparking wild celebrations among Brazilian players and supporters. The dramatic finish sealed Brazil’s place in the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of the Ivory Coast vs Norway clash.
Despite the defeat, Japan delivered one of its finest World Cup campaigns, reaching the knockout stage after finishing second in Group F. However, the result means the Blue Samurai are still searching for their first-ever victory in a FIFA World Cup knockout match. The loss also ended Japan’s 10-match unbeaten run, which dated back to September last year.
The victory was Brazil’s 12th win in 15 meetings against Japan and came on the anniversary of the Seleção’s first World Cup triumph in 1958, when a 17-year-old Pelé inspired the nation to its maiden global title. Brazil will now look to build on the dramatic victory as the knockout stage intensifies.
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