Gabriel Martinelli scored in stoppage time to secure a 2-1 victory, ending Brazil's 24-year drought in knockout-stage comebacks.
3:42 PM
Brazil defeated Japan 2-1 in a Round of 16 match Monday at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, advancing to the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Japan opened the scoring in the 29th minute of the first half when Kaishu Sano capitalized on a defensive error by Brazilian right-back Danilo. The goal gave the Asian side an early advantage against a Brazil team that had dominated possession but struggled to create clear opportunities.
Brazil improved significantly after halftime. Midfielder Casemiro equalized with a header in the 11th minute of the second half, shifting momentum in the match. The decisive moment came in the fifth minute of stoppage time when Gabriel Martinelli, who had been brought on during the second half, scored to give Brazil a 2-1 lead. Martinelli received a pass from Bruno Guimarães and finished with a right-footed shot placed inside the post.
The victory marked Brazil's first comeback win in a World Cup knockout match since June 21, 2002, when the team defeated England in the quarterfinals of that tournament. The 24-year gap spanned five complete editions of the World Cup.
Japan's defensive strategy centered on a 5-3-2 formation designed to compact the midfield and backline, limiting space for Brazil's attacking players including Lucas Paquetá and Vinícius Júnior. Brazil countered with a 4-2-4 setup under manager Carlo Ancelotti. Despite Brazil's territorial dominance in the first half, the team's possession did not translate into scoring chances until the second-half adjustments took effect.
Brazil finished atop Group C in the preliminary round. Japan, managed by Hajime Moriyasu, arrived at the match without several key players including captain Wataru Endo, wingers Kaoru Mitoma and Takefusa Kubo, and striker Takumi Minamino.
Brazil will face the winner of the Norway-Ivory Coast match in the quarterfinals on Sunday, July 5, at 5 p.m. local time in New Jersey. In World Cup history, Brazil has faced both potential opponents. The team defeated Ivory Coast 3-1 in the group stage of the 2010 World Cup, with goals from Luis Fabiano twice and Elano. Against Norway, Brazil has never won in four previous meetings, recording two losses and two draws. The most recent encounter was a 2-1 loss to Norway in the 1998 World Cup group stage.
After Santos drew 1-1 with San Lorenzo in Copa Sudamericana, Neymar expressed hope to play in 2026 World Cup and dreams of a final between Brazil and Argentina.
The U.S. defeated Australia in Seattle on Friday, clinching a Round of 32 spot. Goals came from an own goal and Alex Freeman.
Stephen Eustaquio scored in stoppage time Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles as Canada advanced past the group stage for the first time in World Cup history.
Flamengo lost 2-0 to Vitória in Salvador on Thursday, exiting the Copa do Brasil in the fifth round despite winning the first leg 2-1.
Cruzeiro defeated Boca Juniors 1-0 in Brazil on matchday three. Post-match confrontations involving multiple players and staff followed the result.
The Brazilian Football Federation renewed Carlo Ancelotti's contract as national team coach for four additional years, extending through the 2030 World Cup.
