Brazil secures knockout win over Japan to reach World Cup round of 16

In Houston, Brazil overturned a 1‑0 deficit to beat Japan 2‑1 after extra time in the 2026 World Cup. Gabriel Martinelli scored the decisive goal in the 49th minute of added time, delivering Brazil’s first knockout‑stage comeback since its 2002 victory over England. Tactical changes saw Carlo Ancelotti replace the injured Lucas Paquetá with Endrick, and a Casimiro header equalised after a Gabriel Magalhães cross. Vinícius Júnior later struck the post before Martinelli finished the win.

The victory moves Brazil into the round of 16, where they will meet the winner of the Ivory Coast–Norway tie, likely Norway, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 5 July. Brazil has not defeated a European side in a World Cup knockout match since 2002, adding extra pressure to the upcoming fixture.