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Brazil defeats Japan, advances to World Cup round of 16
Brazil beat Japan 2–1 in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Houston, Texas. Japan took the lead in the 29th minute through Kaishu Sano. Brazil equalised in the 56th minute with a header from Casemiro, and substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored the decisive goal in stoppage time, securing a 96th‑minute winner. Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Neymar was kept on the bench for a possible extra‑time, but the victory removed the need for his introduction.
The win sends Brazil to the quarter‑finals, where it will face the winner of the Norway‑Ivory Coast match on 5 July at the New Jersey stadium. The match prompted widespread media coverage, strong television ratings in Brazil, and social‑media reactions—including Vini Jr’s emotional interview about his grandmother and Neymar’s playful response to a critic. A Japanese streamer, Gamix, went viral after reacting to the defeat. In Brazil’s city of Apucarana, business hours were adjusted so workers could watch the game.
Key facts: Brazil goals – Casemiro (56'), Gabriel Martinelli (90+4'); Japan goal – Kaishu Sano (29'). Final score 2‑1, Brazil advances.