29/06/2026 16:23 - Deportes
Brazil clinched their spot in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a match that went down to the wire. The team managed by Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti defeated Japan 2-1 at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, with a stoppage-time goal from Gabriel Martinelli that sent Brazilian fans into a frenzy.
The South American giants faced early adversity when Japan took the lead in the 29th minute of the first half. Midfielder Kaishu Sano scored a stunning goal, recovering the ball in midfield, advancing, and firing an unstoppable right-footed shot into the post. The Asian side, known for their disciplined and vertical style, frustrated Brazil for much of the game.
Brazil pushed relentlessly for an equalizer in the second half. Their persistence paid off when Casemiro connected with a cross from Douglas Santos to make it 1-1 in the 55th minute (10 minutes into the second half). The midfielder delivered a standout performance, though he was forced to leave the field injured shortly after.
Tension mounted as the clock ticked down. Italian referee Maurizio Mariani added five minutes of stoppage time. With the match in its final seconds, Gabriel Martinelli received a pass in the box and slotted a precise finish into the far post to seal the victory in the 96th minute.
This encounter carried extra significance. Brazil and Japan had met in a friendly on October 14, 2025, with Japan winning 3-2. Their only previous World Cup meeting was in Germany 2006, where Brazil cruised to a 4-1 victory.
Japan arrived as runners-up in Group F with 5 points (drawing 2-2 with Netherlands, beating Tunisia 4-0, and drawing 1-1 with Sweden). Brazil topped Group C with 7 points (drawing 1-1 with Morocco and defeating Haiti and Scotland 3-0 each).
| Brazil 2 | vs | Japan 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | Kaishu Sano 29' (1H); Casemiro 55' (2H); Martinelli 96' (2H) | |
| Venue | NRG Stadium, Houston, USA | |
| Referee | Maurizio Mariani (Italy) | |
| Stage | Round of 32 - 2026 FIFA World Cup | |
With this victory, Brazil now awaits the winner of the Ivory Coast vs Norway match, scheduled for June 30, 2026. The Round of 16 clash is set for July 4, 2026 in Houston.
Brazil's Starting XI: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Douglas Santos; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá; Rayan, Matheus Cunha, Vinícius Jr. Substitutes: Endrick, Fabinho, Gabriel Martinelli. Head Coach: Carlo Ancelotti.
Japan's Starting XI: Zion Suzuki; Takehiro Tomiyasu, Shogo Taniguchi, Hiroki Itō; Ritsu Doan, Kaishu Sano, Daichi Kamada, Keito Nakamura, Junya Ito, Daizen Maeda, Ayase Ueda. Head Coach: Hajime Moriyasu.
The match was broadcast in Argentina on DSports, Telefe, TyC Sports, Disney+ Premium, Paramount+, and Flow (Channel 109).
Alfredo S. Quiroga
