A dramatic 96th-minute strike from substitute Gabriel Martinelli propelled Brazil into the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, completing a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Japan at Houston Stadium on Monday.
The Arsenal winger came off the bench in the second half to fire home the winning goal in the final moments of stoppage time. Collecting a crisp pass from midfielder Bruno Guimarães, Martinelli slotted a low shot that clipped the inside of the post to spark wild celebrations for the Seleção. The defeat cruelly knocked out a gutsy Samurai Blue squad, while Brazil extended their unbeaten tournament run to secure a spot in the knockout stages.
Japan had threatened a major tournament upset in the 29th minute. Midfielder Kaishu Sano intercepted a sloppy, under-hit pass from Brazilian defender Danilo near the center of the pitch. Sano driving into open space before unleashing a powerful right-footed shot from outside the penalty area past a diving Alisson Becker.
Trailing 1-0 at the break, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti resisted calls to overhaul his midfield, a tactical decision praised by analysts.
The tactical patience paid off quickly in the 56th minute. Veteran midfielder Casemiro redeemed a shaky first half by rising high at the back post, thumping home a perfectly placed cross from center-back Gabriel Magalhães to level the match. Shortly after, a brilliant solo effort from VinÃcius Júnior nearly put Brazil ahead, but Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made a spectacular fingertip save to deflect the ball off the post.
The intense tactical battle played out in front of a heavily pro-Brazilian crowd of over 68,000 fans. Brazil will now travel to New York New Jersey Stadium for their Round of 16 clash on July 5, where they await the winner of the match between Ivory Coast and Norway.