Gabriel Martinelli struck in the closing moments to complete Brazil’s dramatic comeback and secure a 2-1 victory over Japan in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash at Houston Stadium on Monday.
The hard-fought victory keeps Brazil’s quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup title alive and sets up a Round of 16 encounter against the winner of the Côte d’Ivoire-Norway tie on July 5 at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti had urged his players to approach the contest with “mind, heart and clarity,” and the five-time world champions displayed all three qualities as they rallied from behind to eliminate a resilient Japanese side.
Japan stunned the South Americans just before the break when Kaishu Sano capitalised on an under-hit pass from the Brazilian defence.
Also read: Can agricultural knowledge become Ghana’s next export?Â
The midfielder surged into space before firing a powerful right-footed effort beyond the goalkeeper to score his first international goal and give the Samurai Blue a deserved half-time lead.
Backed by a sea of yellow-clad supporters inside Houston Stadium, Brazil responded with renewed urgency after the restart.
Their persistence paid off when veteran midfielder Casemiro powered home a thunderous header from Gabriel Magalhães’ pinpoint delivery to restore parity.
Brazil almost completed the turnaround moments later as VinÃcius Júnior struck the post after Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced a fingertip save to deny the Real Madrid winger.
The pressure continued to mount, and Japan’s resistance was finally broken in the dying moments.
Bruno Guimarães threaded a precise pass into the path of Gabriel Martinelli, who raced clear before beating Suzuki to spark jubilant celebrations among Brazilian players and supporters.
The victory sends Brazil into the Round of 16, where they will face either Côte d’Ivoire or Norway as they continue their pursuit of a sixth FIFA World Cup crown.
For Japan, the defeat brings an end to another promising campaign, with the Samurai Blue still searching for their first-ever victory in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup.