Brazil secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Japan at Houston Stadium to advance from the 2026 World Cup Round of 32.
The Samurai Blue took the lead in the 28th minute courtesy of a brilliant strike from Kaishu Sano, capping off a first half where Brazil failed to deliver their expected performance and barely threatened goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
However, the dynamics shifted in the second half after Carlo Ancelotti introduced Endrick. The substitution sparked a massive Brazilian attacking press, leading to Casemiro’s equalizer in the 58th minute with a superb header.
As the match drew to a close and extra time seemed inevitable, Gabriel Martinelli netted the winning goal for Brazil. After receiving the ball inside the penalty area, he calmly slotted it past Suzuki.
This marks the first time Brazil has successfully come from behind to win a World Cup knockout match since doing so against England in the 2002 edition—a tournament they ultimately went on to win.
Brazil will now face the winner of the Ivory Coast vs. Norway clash in the Round of 16. The match is scheduled for July 5th at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.
