Brazil beats Japan 2-1 to reach World Cup 2026 round of 16

Brazil secured a 2‑1 victory over Japan in Houston, Texas, to advance to the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Japan opened the scoring in the 29th minute through Kaishu Sano, but Brazil equalised after half‑time when Casemiro headed in from a Bruno Guimarães cross in the 56th minute. Gabriel Martinelli completed the comeback with the decisive goal in stoppage time (90+5).

The match, played at the indoor stadium in Houston, was coached by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil and featured notable performances from Japan’s goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. With the win, Brazil will face the winner of the Norway‑Ivory Coast (Costa de Marfil) tie in the next round, while Japan exits the tournament.

Key contributors for Brazil included Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Vinícius Júnior and a late‑game substitution that brought on Endrick. The victory marked another step for the five‑time World Cup champions as they look to progress further in the 2026 edition hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.