Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in Houston on Monday, booking a place in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Arsenal winger, introduced as a substitute, curled the ball into the net in the 95th minute to break Japanese hearts and send the large Brazilian contingent inside a crowd of 68,777 into delirium. Brazil will face either Côte d'Ivoire or Norway in New Jersey on Sunday.
Japan had made a captivating contest of it. Midfielder Kaishu Sano — one of four changes from the group-stage draw with Sweden — opened the scoring after 29 minutes, capitalising on a loose pass by Danilo to drive forward from the centre circle and sweep a low shot past goalkeeper Alisson. It was his first international goal, and it put Japan firmly in the driving seat against a Brazil side that looked unconvincing at both ends of the pitch. The Sano goal also forced a half-time change on Carlo Ancelotti's bench, with an emotional Lucas Paqueta limping off to be replaced by 19-year-old striker Endrick.
Brazil had not won any of their previous five World Cup matches after conceding the opening goal, but they pressed relentlessly after the break. Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu twice cleared off the line before the equaliser arrived: Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhães delivered a precise cross for veteran midfielder Casemiro to head home unmarked at the back post. At 34 years and 126 days, Casemiro became the second-oldest Brazilian to score at a World Cup, behind Bebeto. Vinicius Júnior, who had scored four times in the group stage, then struck the post after a brilliant solo run as Brazil pushed for a winner with mounting urgency.
Just as extra time seemed inevitable, midfielder Bruno Guimarães — providing his fourth assist of the tournament — found Martinelli at the far post to set up the decisive moment. The victory marks Brazil's first comeback win in a World Cup knockout match since they defeated England in 2002, the year of their last global title. Japan, who had impressed throughout the group stage by thrashing Tunisia and holding both the Netherlands and Sweden, leave the tournament without achieving what would have been their first ever World Cup knockout-round victory.
The result underlines both the resilience and the limitations of this Brazil squad. Even with the highly regarded Italian coach Ancelotti in charge, the five-time world champions were repeatedly troubled by a well-organised Japanese side and needed a moment of individual brilliance in added time to avoid extra time. For Japan, the performance will be seen as evidence of the country's continued growth as a football nation, even as the final result extended their winless record against Brazil in competitive matches.