World Cup 2026: Brazil 2-1 Japan — Late Martinelli Goal Seals Comeback Victory

Brazil produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat Japan 2-1 and secure a place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with substitute Gabriel Martinelli scoring a decisive winner in the 96th minute after Carlo Ancelotti's side had trailed for much of the contest.

The five-time world champions looked destined for an early exit after Kaishu Sano gave Japan a deserved first-half lead in Houston. However, Casemiro restored parity shortly after the interval before Martinelli struck deep into stoppage time to complete a remarkable turnaround and send Brazil into the knockout stages.

Brazil will now face either Norway or Ivory Coast in the Round of 16 on Sunday.

Japan started brightly and consistently troubled Brazil with their organisation and intensity. Their reward came in the 29th minute when Sano capitalised on Danilo's misplaced pass, surged past Casemiro and drilled a low effort from the edge of the area beyond the Brazilian goalkeeper to hand the Asian side a deserved advantage.

The goal exposed Brazil's defensive vulnerabilities, while Japan continued to frustrate Ancelotti's side with disciplined defending and quick transitions.

Brazil emerged from the break with renewed urgency and nearly found an immediate equaliser in the 53rd minute. Casemiro rose highest to meet a close-range opportunity, but his header ricocheted off Takehiro Tomiyasu, then goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, before striking Tomiyasu again on the goal line and somehow staying out.

The veteran midfielder responded just three minutes later.

Gabriel delivered an inviting cross to the far post, where Casemiro timed his run perfectly to head home the equaliser and breathe life back into Brazil's campaign.

The momentum shifted almost instantly.

Vinicius Junior came agonisingly close to putting Brazil ahead moments later after weaving through the Japanese defence with a brilliant solo run, only for Suzuki to produce an outstanding save that pushed his effort onto the post.

As the match entered stoppage time, Japan appeared set to force extra time with another resilient defensive display. But Brazil finally found the breakthrough in the sixth minute of added time.

Bruno Guimaraes slipped a perfectly weighted pass into Martinelli's path, and the substitute calmly poked his effort beyond Suzuki. Although the Japanese goalkeeper got a hand to the ball, he could only divert it onto the inside of the post before it crossed the line, sparking wild celebrations among the Brazilian players and supporters.

For Japan, it was another painful World Cup exit after leading during a knockout-stage match, only to fall short once again.

Speaking after the match, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti described the victory as his team's most complete performance of the tournament despite the difficult first half.

"This was the most complete game we have played at the World Cup," Ancelotti said.

"We had trouble in the first half as Japan were defending well. They were close and tight to us.

"In the second half, we overcame it, we got some space and put in crosses. This was an evolution in tactics for sure.

"At half-time I said to the players to be patient because sooner or later we would score a goal. But we had to keep our shape to ensure we did not compromise the game further.

"Japan is a very good team, very organised. They create dangerous opportunities, get close defensively and they are physical."

While Brazil ultimately advanced, the performance also highlighted areas Ancelotti will be keen to address before the knockout rounds.

The midfield struggled for long periods, Casemiro endured a difficult first half despite redeeming himself with the equaliser, and Brazil again required moments of individual brilliance rather than sustained dominance to secure victory.

Nevertheless, the Selecao's resilience proved decisive as Martinelli's late intervention ensured Brazil avoided one of the biggest upsets of the tournament and kept their quest for a sixth World Cup title alive.