HOUSTON, TEXAS / EuroWire / – Gabriel Martinelli scored in stoppage time as Brazil beat Japan 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 in Houston, sending the five-time champion into the Round of 16. The Arsenal forward struck in the 95th minute after Brazil had trailed at halftime. Japan took the lead through Kaishu Sano in the 29th minute, before Casemiro equalized with a header in the 56th.
Brazil advanced after a match that turned sharply in the second half. Japan defended deep for long spells and reached the interval with a 1-0 lead. Brazil pressed higher after the restart and created more chances around the Japan penalty area. Casemiro’s goal brought Brazil level, and Martinelli’s late finish decided the knockout match before extra time.
The result ended Japan’s run at the tournament and kept Brazil in the competition’s expanded knockout phase. Japan had been seeking a first World Cup knockout win. Brazil, the only nation to play in every FIFA World Cup, moved into the last 16 and remained on course for another appearance in the later rounds.
Martinelli goal sends Brazil through
Sano opened the scoring after Japan won the ball and moved forward quickly. His strike gave Japan the lead and put Brazil under pressure in the first half. Brazil had more possession, but Japan limited clear chances before the break. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki also helped keep Japan ahead with saves during a busy spell.
Brazil drew level 11 minutes into the second half. Gabriel Magalhaes delivered the cross, and Casemiro headed past Suzuki to make it 1-1. Brazil continued to push for a winner as the match entered stoppage time. Bruno Guimaraes then found Martinelli, who scored from close range to complete the comeback.
Round of 16 place confirmed
The win set up Brazil’s next match against the winner of Côte d’Ivoire and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 5. FIFA lists the venue in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as one of the host sites for the tournament. Brazil’s Round of 16 place followed an unbeaten group stage and the Houston knockout victory.
Martinelli’s goal was his fifth for Brazil and his third international goal in the United States. Casemiro’s equalizer gave Brazil a platform after Japan’s first-half lead. The final score confirmed a 2-1 Brazil victory, with goals from Sano, Casemiro and Martinelli deciding one of the first knockout ties of the FIFA World Cup 2026.