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

On 29 June 2026 at Houston’s NRG Stadium, Brazil overturned a 1‑0 deficit to defeat Japan 2‑1 in the World Cup round of 32. Japan’s Kaishu Sano opened the scoring in the 29th minute after a defensive lapse. Brazil equalised in the 56th minute when Casemiro headed home a Gabriel Magalhães cross. In the 90+5 minute, substitute Gabriel Martinelli received a pass from Bruno Guimarães, beat goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and scored the winner, sending the five‑time champions into the last‑16. Coach Carlo Ancelotti praised the team’s resilience, while midfielder Bruno Guimarães registered his fourth tournament assist, the most at a World Cup since 2000. The victory ends Brazil’s knockout‑stage winless streak since 2002 and sets up a clash with the winner of Norway vs Ivory Coast. The match sparked strong social‑media reactions, including a flood of comments on Japanese forward Kento Shiogai’s pre‑match remarks and a viral post by Matheus Cunha. Brazil’s players, including Martinelli, highlighted the emotional significance of the win for the nation and their families.