Brazil defeats Japan 2-1, eyes round of 16 as Raphinha sidelined

Brazil beat Japan 2‑1 in Houston during the 2026 World Cup round‑of‑16 qualifier, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring the decisive goal in added time. The victory advances Brazil to the knockout stage, where they will meet the winner of Norway versus Ivory Coast in New Jersey on 5 June.

The squad reconvened the next day at Columbia Park, the New York Red Bulls training centre, for a light session. Coach Carlo Ancelotti took part in the drills and praised the tactical changes that increased the team's crossing rate in the second half. Forward Raphinha missed the match and the training camp due to a right‑thigh muscle injury; midfielder Lucas Paquetá also remained out with a left‑thigh problem, while Casemiro reported minor muscle aches.

The win sparked a surge in domestic consumption: bar sales rose 38.6 % and butcher sales 19.6 % on the day of the match, according to an Itaú Unibanco study. Brazilian singer Belutti attended the game’s broadcast at the Casa Rede Ronaldo hub in Miami with his family, highlighting the event’s cultural reach.