Brazil vs Japan: 2-1: FIFA World Cup 2026 – as it happened

Thanks for joining us for the thrilling World Cup last 32 clash between Brazil and Japan, as Martinelli scored deep into stoppage time to snatch victory for Ancelotti’s side.

We’ll be back with more World Cup coverage very soon, but for now it’s goodbye from Al Jazeera Sport.

Al Jazeera’s next featured last 32 game will be a blockbuster between the Netherlands and Morocco in Monterrey, Mexico.

The game kicks off at 7pm on Monday (01:00 GMT, Tuesday) and we will have all the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 22:00 GMT.

You can read the match preview here.

Gabriel Martinelli scored the winning goal late in injury time to give five-time champions Brazil a 2-1 win over Japan in the World Cup round of 32 in Houston.

Martinelli, who had come on as a second-half substitute, scored in the sixth minute of stoppage time as the match appeared to be heading to extra time on Monday.

Brazil will next face either the Ivory Coast or Norway on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in the round of 16.

Casemiro had earlier equalised with a header in the 56th minute off an assist from Gabriel Magalhaes after just missing another chance two minutes earlier. The shot sailed just out of reach of the outstretched hand of Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and into the net.

Kaishu Sano stole a misplaced pass in midfield and took it towards goal before his right-footed shot put Japan ahead in the 29th minute.

Read the full match report here.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder looked cumbersome at times in the first half and was easily stripped for pace by Sano as he scored Japan’s opener.

But Casemiro came out fired up for the second half and played a key role in dragging Brazil back into the game – chiefly by meeting Gabriel’s deep cross at the back post to head in the equaliser.

He limped off the pitch towards the end to be replaced by Fabinho, but Brazil will hope their old warhorse will recover in time for Sunday’s last 16 game.

Brazil will play their last 16 match on Sunday, with the game kicking off at 20:00 GMT.

They will play the winner of Ivory Coast vs Norway, who will be in action on Tuesday – their last 32 game kicks off at 17:00 GMT.

“I can’t find the words to describe the joy in my heart. Seeing all those fans on their feet, my parents, my friends,” he said.

“I can’t explain it. After hitting the woodwork, I knew I’d get another chance. I honestly don’t have the words.

“I’m just happy I was able to help the team, whether I’m playing on the left or through the middle. The most important thing is helping the team.”

Brazil have won after trailing at half-time in the World Cup for the first time since 2002 against Turkiye.

In the end it was a Ancelotti masterclass as his rejuvenated side played much better in the second half, while Japan ultimately wilted under the pressure.

Brazil’s coach could easily have hooked the struggling Casemiro at half-time, but he ended up playing well in the second half and scored the equaliser.

Guimaraes and Martinelli were particularly impressive for staying so composed to respectively set up and convert the winning goal.

Casemiro is the second-oldest goalscorer for Brazil in World Cup history. pic.twitter.com/3bvQESDPcF

— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 29, 2026

Japan’s players are utterly heartbroken.

They are lying down on the ground, holding their heads in their hands and wiping away tears as the Brazilians celebrate all around them.

Several of the Japanese players are distraught as Brazil celebrate an incredible comeback win.

Japan went into half-time 1-0 up after Sano scored in the 29th minute.

Brazil came out fired up in the second half and dominated possession, and Casemiro found the equaliser with a back-post header in the 56th minute.

Despite Brazil’s pressure, the game looked destined for extra-time as Japan defended gamely and rode their luck at times.

But the substitute Martinelli had other ideas as he brilliantly converted a slick pass from Guimaraes to score the winner deep into stoppage time.

Ivory Coast or Norway await Brazil in the last 16.

A long ball looks for Machino but the Japanese forward knocks over Marquinhos and is penalised.

Japan launch another attack but Brazil hack the ball away to safety.

The ref blows the whistle and Brazil have survived a major scare to come back from a goal down and snatch a last gasp victory.

Japan mount a last desperate attack but Brazil snuff it out.

90+9 mins: Brazil 2-1 Japan

Takana gives the ball away in a terrible position just outside the box.

Guimaraes threads a pass into Martinelli, who shifts the ball from his left foot to right in a flash and steers it past Suzuki and in off the post!

90+7 mins: Brazil 2-1 Japan

Oh my word – Brazil have surely won it at the death!

90+6 mins: Brazil 2-1 Japan

Endrick gets the ball in the box and runs at Taniguchi, who does well to stay with him and block for a corner.

The corner comes off Fabinho’s head and flies into orbit and out of play.

90+4 mins: Brazil 1-1 Japan

Casemiro leaves the pitch gingerly as Fabinho comes on to replace him.

90+2 mins: Brazil 1-1 Japan

Sugawara get the better of Santos out on the right and puts the ball into the box but it’s a Brazilian boot that connects to clear.

Casemiro is down on the turf and will require treatment.

Six minutes of stoppage time will be played.

90 mins: Brazil 1-1 Japan

Rayan is brought down out on the left. Guimaraes puts the ball into the box but Suzuki rushes out to clear with his body.

It falls to Vinicius just outside the box and his shot is deflected out for corner.

89 mins: Brazil 1-1 Japan