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A Late Comeback Through Gabriel Martinelli's Goal Gets Brazil Into FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16

Brazil Vs Japan Match Gallery, FIFA World Cup 2026: In a dramatic FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 encounter in Houston, Brazil secured a thrilling 2–1 comeback victory over a resilient Japan. Japan stunned the five-time champions in the 29th minute when Kaishū Sano capitalized on a defensive error to fire a clinical strike past Alisson. Brazil struggled for rhythm against Japan’s disciplined defensive block until the second half, when Casemiro powered home a towering header in the 56th minute to equalize. As the match appeared destined for extra time, substitute Gabriel Martinelli became the hero, netting a brilliant winner in the 96th minute after a precise pass from Bruno Guimarães. The victory spared Brazil from a potential upset and extended their dominant head-to-head record against Japan to 12 wins in 15 meetings, sending the Seleção through to the Round of 16 to face either Ivory Coast or Norway. See the best photos from the BRA vs JPN football match here:

The teams from Brazil and Japan line up on the field for the national anthems during the teams' presentation before the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston. Eric Smith/AP Photo
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A Brazil fan takes a selfie with a miniature replica of the World Cup trophy before the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Housto
A Brazil fan takes a selfie with a miniature replica of the World Cup trophy before the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Housto AP Photo/Ashley Landis
Brazil's Neymar arrives at the stadium ahead the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Brazil's Neymar arrives at the stadium ahead the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston AP Photo/Eric Gay
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu arrives at the stadium ahead the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu arrives at the stadium ahead the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston AP Photo/Eric Gay
Japa fans get ready for the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Japa fans get ready for the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston Karen Warren/AP Photo
Japan fans cheer for their national team before the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Japan fans cheer for their national team before the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston AP Photo/Ashley Landis
Brazil's Vinicius Junior (7) waves to the fans before the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Brazil's Vinicius Junior (7) waves to the fans before the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston AP Photo/Ashley Landis
Brazil's Neymar (10) plays with the ball before the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Brazil's Neymar (10) plays with the ball before the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston AP Photo/Ashley Landis
Japan players during the warm up ahead the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Japan players during the warm up ahead the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston Eric Smith/AP Photo
Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker (1) saves a ball during the warm up during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker (1) saves a ball during the warm up during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston Eric Smith/AP Photo
Brazil's Neymar (10) arrives on the pitch before the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Brazil's Neymar (10) arrives on the pitch before the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston AP Photo/Ashley Landis
Brazil's Bruno Guimaraes (8) reacts during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Brazil's Bruno Guimaraes (8) reacts during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston AP Photo/David J. Phillip
Brazil team pose before the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Brazil team pose before the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston AP Photo/David J. Phillip
Brazil's Vinicius Junior (7), left, and Japan's Kaishu Sano (24) fight for the ball during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Housto
Brazil's Vinicius Junior (7), left, and Japan's Kaishu Sano (24) fight for the ball during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Housto AP Photo/Ashley Landis
Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki (1) clears the ball during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki (1) clears the ball during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston AP Photo/Eric Smith
Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki (1) saves the ball during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki (1) saves the ball during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston AP Photo/Ashley Landis
Brazil's Vinicius Junior (7) reacts after a foul by Japan's Kaishu Sano (24) during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Brazil's Vinicius Junior (7) reacts after a foul by Japan's Kaishu Sano (24) during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston AP Photo/Karen Warren
Japan's Ritsu Doan (10) challenges for the ball with with Brazil's Douglas Santos (16)during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Japan's Ritsu Doan (10) challenges for the ball with with Brazil's Douglas Santos (16)during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston AP Photo/Eric Gay
Fans react to Japan's first goal against Brazil in the first half of the World Cup soccer game being held in Texas, as they gather for a public viewing event in Tokyo
Fans react to Japan's first goal against Brazil in the first half of the World Cup soccer game being held in Texas, as they gather for a public viewing event in Tokyo AP Photo/Hiro Komae
Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker (1) fails to save a ball after Japan's Kaishu Sano socred the opening goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker (1) fails to save a ball after Japan's Kaishu Sano socred the opening goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston AP Photo/Eric Smith
Japan's Kaishu Sano (24) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal of his team during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Japan's Kaishu Sano (24) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal of his team during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Japan players celebrate after their opening goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Japan players celebrate after their opening goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston AP Photo/Ashley Landis
Fans react to Japan's first goal against Brazil in the first half of the World Cup soccer game being held in Texas, as they gather for a public viewing event in Tokyo
Fans react to Japan's first goal against Brazil in the first half of the World Cup soccer game being held in Texas, as they gather for a public viewing event in Tokyo AP Photo/Hiro Komae
A Japan fan reacts while watching the World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Japan in the Liberdade district of Sao Paulo
A Japan fan reacts while watching the World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Japan in the Liberdade district of Sao Paulo AP Photo/Ettore Chiereguini
Brazil soccer fans watch the World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Japan on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro
Brazil soccer fans watch the World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Japan on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro AP Photo/Bruna Prado
Brazil soccer fans watch the World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Japan on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Brazil soccer fans watch the World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Japan on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil AP Photo/Bruna Prado
Brazil's Casemiro celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Brazil's Casemiro celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston (AP Photo/Ashley Landis
Brazil's Vinicius Junior (7) celebrates his side's opening goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Brazil's Vinicius Junior (7) celebrates his side's opening goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston AP Photo/David J. Phillip
Brazil's Casemiro (5) celebrates with his teammate Brazil's Neymar (10) after scoring his side's first goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Brazil's Casemiro (5) celebrates with his teammate Brazil's Neymar (10) after scoring his side's first goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston AP Photo/Eric Smith
Brazil's Casemiro (5) scores his side's first goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Brazil's Casemiro (5) scores his side's first goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston AP Photo/Eric Smith)
Brazil fans celebrate while watching the World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Japan on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro
Brazil fans celebrate while watching the World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Japan on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro AP Photo/Bruna Prado
Brazil fans celebrate while watching the World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Japan on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro
Brazil fans celebrate while watching the World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Japan on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro AP Photo/Bruna Prado
A Japan fan reacts after Brazil scored the equalizer during a World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Japan in the Liberdade district of Sao Paulo
A Japan fan reacts after Brazil scored the equalizer during a World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Japan in the Liberdade district of Sao Paulo AP Photo/Ettore Chiereguin
Fans for the Japan team react to a play in the second half of the round of 32 FIFA World Cup soccer game between Brazil and Japan being held in Texas, as they gather for a watch party in Tokyo
Fans for the Japan team react to a play in the second half of the round of 32 FIFA World Cup soccer game between Brazil and Japan being held in Texas, as they gather for a watch party in Tokyo AP Photo/Hiro Komae
A young Brazil fan kneels before Brazil scored its second, winning goal against Japan during a live broadcast of the World Cup soccer match on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro
A young Brazil fan kneels before Brazil scored its second, winning goal against Japan during a live broadcast of the World Cup soccer match on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro AP Photo/Bruna Prado
Brazil fans celebrate after Brazil scored its second goal against Japan at the World Cup soccer match as they watch a live broadcast on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro
Brazil fans celebrate after Brazil scored its second goal against Japan at the World Cup soccer match as they watch a live broadcast on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro AP Photo/Bruna Prado
Japan players bow after the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Japan players bow after the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston AP Photo/Bruna Prado
Brazil's Douglas Santos (16) and Brazil's Gabriel Martinelli (22) celebrate at the end of the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Brazil's Douglas Santos (16) and Brazil's Gabriel Martinelli (22) celebrate at the end of the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston AP Photo/David J. Phillip
Brazil's Gabriel Martinelli (22) celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
Brazil's Gabriel Martinelli (22) celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston AP Photo/Ashley Landis
Japanese fan cries after the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Housto
Japanese fan cries after the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Housto AP Photo/Karen Warren
A Japan supporter reacts after the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
A Japan supporter reacts after the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston AP Photo/David J. Phillip
A Japan supporter reacts after the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston
A Japan supporter reacts after the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Brazil and Japan in Houston AP Photo/David J. Phillip
Brazil fans celebrate after Brazil defeated Japan at a World Cup soccer match as they watch a live broadcast of the game on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro
Brazil fans celebrate after Brazil defeated Japan at a World Cup soccer match as they watch a live broadcast of the game on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro AP Photo/Bruna Prado
Supporters of Brazil's national team celebrate after Brazil defeated Japan in a Round of 32 soccer match at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon
Supporters of Brazil's national team celebrate after Brazil defeated Japan in a Round of 32 soccer match at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon AP Photo/Hassan Ammar
Supporters of Brazil's national soccer team celebrate after Brazil defeated Japan in a Round of 32 soccer match at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon
Supporters of Brazil's national soccer team celebrate after Brazil defeated Japan in a Round of 32 soccer match at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon AP Photo/Hassan Ammar
Supporters of Brazil's national team celebrate, after Brazil defeated Japan in a Round of 32 soccer match at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon
Supporters of Brazil's national team celebrate, after Brazil defeated Japan in a Round of 32 soccer match at the FIFA World Cup, in Zgharta, northern Lebanon AP Photo/Hassan Ammar
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Football Brazil National Football Team Japan National Football Team FIFA World Cup Soccer FIFA World Cup 2026
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