Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 at Houston Stadium in Texas and book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16.
The result helped Brazil avoid their earliest World Cup exit since 1982, while Japan’s wait for a first-ever knockout win at the tournament continued.
Japan had taken the lead in the 29th minute through Kaishu Sano after Danilo lost possession in midfield. Sano made the most of the mistake, beat Casemiro, carried the ball forward, and fired a low finish past Alisson Becker into the bottom corner.
Brazil responded in the 56th minute when Casemiro rose highest at the far post to head in a cross from Gabriel Magalhaes. At 34 years and 126 days, Casemiro became Brazil’s second-oldest goalscorer at the World Cup, behind only Bebeto, who scored against Denmark in 1998 at the age of 34 years and 137 days.
Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki kept his side in the contest with four saves, while Alisson was credited with one save for Brazil.
The match was decided in stoppage time when Bruno Guimaraes received the ball on the edge of the box and slipped a pass to Martinelli instead of going for goal himself.
The Arsenal forward controlled it with his first touch before bending his shot away from Suzuki, who got a hand to the ball but could not keep it out.
Brazil will now face either Ivory Coast or Norway on July 5 in the Round of 16 in East Rutherford.
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