Brazil narrowly dodged a major upset in the FIFA World Cup 2026, thanks to a last-minute goal from substitute Gabriel Martinelli, clinching a thrilling 2-1 victory over Japan in Houston. This dramatic late strike propelled Brazil into the Round of 16 after a fiercely contested match that seemed destined for extra time. The five-time champions bounced back from an early setback and became the second team, following Canada, to secure their spot in the pre-quarterfinals. Next up, Brazil will take on either Ivory Coast or Norway in New Jersey on Sunday, keeping their title hopes alive.
Japan went into halftime with a 1-0 lead, but Brazil came out with renewed energy after the break. Casemiro leveled the score with a powerful header, and then Martinelli delivered the decisive blow in the 96th minute, completing the comeback. This last-minute goal not only denied Japan a historic result but also ensured Brazil avoided the tension of extra time in what has been one of the closest knockout matches so far.
Brazil’s Dramatic Turn-Around Against Japan
Japan shocked Brazil in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano intercepted a poorly placed pass in midfield. He charged forward and slotted the ball past Alisson, giving Japan a surge of confidence and putting Brazil on the back foot as they headed toward halftime. But Carlo Ancelotti's squad came out with a renewed sense of urgency after the break. Just 11 minutes into the second half, Casemiro equalized, rising unmarked to head in a cross from Gabriel Magalhães, finally breaking through for Brazil.
From that moment on, Brazil took control of the game. The South Americans dominated possession, pushing Japan deep into their own half and finishing with a commanding 16-5 lead in shots. Japan's goalkeeper, Zion Suzuki, was a standout, making several crucial saves to keep his team in the match. He punched away a dangerous free kick from Brazil, and when Vinícius Júnior sent a deflected shot wide for a corner, Suzuki rallied the crowd to amp up the atmosphere as Brazil searched for the winning goal.
Despite Brazil's relentless chances, Japan's defense held strong, and it looked like the match was heading for extra time. Then, in the dying moments of stoppage time, Bruno Guimarães found Martinelli in the penalty area. The Arsenal forward kept his cool and fired a right-footed shot into the far corner, sealing the victory. His goal in the 96th minute completed Brazil's comeback and brought Japan's spirited run to an end. Brazil now advances to the Round of 16 with a boost of confidence, while Japan exits after giving one of football's giants a real challenge.
