Brazil entered Monday’s Round of 32 match against Japan as heavy favorites to advance, but it was the Japanese who struck first. Kaishu Sano scored for Japan, a team that finished second in Group F after drawing the Netherlands and Sweden and beating Tunisia 4-0, so this was hardly an overmatched opponent despite the massive difference in World Cup history.
Gabriel Martinelli of Brazil celebrates with teammates after scoring the team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match against Japan at Houston Stadium. (Michael Regan/FIFA via Getty Images)
Gabriel Martinelli scored in the final moments to give Brazil a last-gasp victory over Japan in the Round of 32 in Houston. The South Americans will face the Côte d’Ivoire-Norway winner in the Round of 16 on 5 July at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti had called for “mind, heart and clarity” and they required every bit of all three to come back against the Samurai Blue.
Japan were dreaming at half-time thanks to an excellent strike from Kaishu Sano, who pounced on an under-hit pass, surged into the space left by the Brazilian defence and fired home a right-footed finish for his first Japan goal.
The Seleçao smelled blood, and Japan succumbed for good in the waning moments as Bruno Guimaraes found Martinelli, who beat Suzuki to set off bedlam in the Space City.
Brazil’s quest for a sixth star continues, while Japan’s first knockout round win will have to wait
