Brazil advances to World Cup 2026 quarter‑finals after extra‑time win over Japan
Brazil overcame a 0‑1 half‑time deficit to beat Japan 2‑1 in the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Houston. Casemiro equalised in the 56th minute, and substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner in the fifth minute of extra time. The victory sends Brazil into the quarter‑finals, where they will meet the winner of the Ivory Coast‑Norway play‑off, and secures a US $15 million prize from FIFA.
Carlo Ancelotti praised the squad’s patience and tactical adjustments after the break, noting the importance of staying calm and exploiting high‑quality crosses. The win also silenced criticism of his decision to leave Neymar on the bench, with Martinelli’s late impact being hailed as the decisive factor.
The match attracted extensive coverage, including betting previews, financial analysis of the FIFA jackpot, and post‑match commentary from Romanian, Czech, Dutch, Polish and other media outlets.