Brazil's Casemiro injured in World Cup win over Japan

Brazil defeated Japan 2-1 in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup in Houston. Midfielder and captain Casemiro scored the equaliser in the 57th minute, but left the field in the 90th minute with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Fabinho, creating uncertainty about his availability for the remaining matches.

The injury adds to an already growing list of absences for Brazil, which include Raphinha, who missed the group stage with a injury, Lucas Paquetá, who also left the Japan match hurt, and Neymar, who has not been used to avoid risk. Japan’s elimination continues a pattern of early knockout exits for the Samurai Blue, with coach Hajime Moriyasu lamenting the loss and urging the squad to learn from the defeat.