Brazil clinches Round of 16 berth with last‑minute win over Japan at World Cup 2026

On June 29, 2026, at Houston's stadium, Brazil defeated Japan 2‑1 to advance to the World Cup round of 16. Japan took the lead in the 29th minute through a solo strike by Sano. Brazil equalised in the 56th minute when Cassmyro headed home from a Gabriel Gabri̇el assist. The decisive moment came in the fifth minute of stoppage time (90+5) when Gabriel Martinelli calmly slotted a pass from Bruno Gimȧrȧes after a defensive error by Japan’s Tanaka. Coach Carlos Ancelotti later noted Neymar’s improving fitness but limited minutes. Brazil now awaits a clash with either Ivory Coast or Norway in the next knockout round.