Brazil edges Japan 2-1 in Round of 32 with Martinelli stoppage-time winner
7 verified9 unconfirmed
Brazil survived a first-half scare to defeat Japan 2-1 in the World Cup Round of 32, advancing to the last 16 with a dramatic stoppage-time goal. Japan took the lead in the first half through Kaishu Sano, putting Brazil on the brink of an early exit. Casemiro equalized early in the second half, and Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner in the 95th minute. The match was played in Houston, Texas, before a large crowd. Brazil will now face either Norway or Ivory Coast in the round of 16. Coach Carlo Ancelotti described the performance as the team’s most complete game of the tournament and praised his players for overcoming a well-organized opponent.
What’s verified
Brazil defeated Japan 2-1 in the World Cup Round of 32 match played on June 29, 2026.
Kaishu Sano scored Japan’s goal in the first half to give them a 1-0 lead.
Casemiro equalized for Brazil shortly after the half-time break.
Gabriel Martinelli scored the winning goal in the 95th minute of stoppage time.
Brazil will face the winner of the Ivory Coast vs. Norway match in the round of 16.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti called the performance "the most complete game we have played" in the tournament.
Brazil made one enforced substitution at half-time as Lucas Paqueta was replaced by Endrick due to injury.
Not yet confirmed
Whether Ancelotti is Brazil’s first foreign coach at a World Cup (reported by one source).
The official attendance figure of 68,777 (reported by one source).
Whether this was Brazil’s first comeback win in a World Cup knockout match since 2002 (reported by one source).
Whether Japan has led in each of its last three World Cup knockout games and lost them all (reported by one source).
Whether Vinícius Júnior hit the post during the match (reported by one source).
Exact cross counts for Brazil (12 in first half, 28 in second half, reported by one source).
Ancelotti’s half-time message to players to "be patient" (reported by one source).
Vinícius Júnior’s statement that it is "taking too long" for Brazil to win a sixth World Cup (reported by one source).
Details of Brazil’s group-stage match against Haiti and the cultural connection to music and dance (reported by one source).
Key figures
Carlo Ancelotti – Brazil head coach
Gabriel Martinelli – Brazil forward, match-winner
Casemiro – Brazil midfielder, goalscorer
Kaishu Sano – Japan midfielder, goalscorer
Lucas Paqueta – Brazil midfielder, injured in first half
Endrick – Brazil substitute, replaced Paqueta
Vinícius Júnior – Brazil forward
Sources: BBC News, Sky Sports, CBS Sports
