Martinelli scores in added time as Brazil come back to beat Japan 2-1 and reach World Cup last 16

Brazil advanced to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup on Monday night after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Japan at Houston Stadium, watched by 68,777 fans. A Kaishu Sano strike had given Japan a first-half lead, but second-half goals from Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli, the latter deep in stoppage time, reversed the tie.

Japan's disciplined first half

Japan executed a defensive game plan nearly identical to the one that stifled the Netherlands, sitting in a compact 5-4-1 block and inviting Brazil to attack without giving up space. The approach frustrated Vinicius Junior, who had scored four goals in the group stage and was effectively marked out of dangerous areas by the combination of Ritsu Doan and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Brazil dominated possession (68%) but created few clear chances; a Matheus Cunha shot parried by Zion Suzuki was the most notable effort before the opening goal.

He can decide the match, I am happy he is experiencing this with the Brazilian national team. We are growing and gaining confidence. May he continue like this, it is a special match for him. I hope he can score more goals.

In the 29th minute, a misplaced pass by Danilo in midfield released Sano, who drove past a cautioned Casemiro and fired a right-footed shot from the edge of the box past Alisson Becker. Brazil trailed at halftime for the first time in the tournament.

Ancelotti's halftime adjustments

Carlo Ancelotti, fearing an early exit, introduced Endrick for the limping Lucas Paqueta at the interval and urged his side to move the ball faster. The change paid off almost immediately. Brazil increased their intensity after the break, hitting the woodwork twice and forcing a clearance off the line by Tomiyasu before drawing level.

Casemiro, left unmarked at the far post, met a Gabriel cross in the 56th minute and directed the ball past a stationary Suzuki. The equalizer was the catalyst Brazil needed, but Japan's defensive discipline returned and the match appeared destined for extra time.

Martinelli's late heroics

Gabriel Martinelli entered in the 65th minute for Matheus Cunha and positioned himself centrally, rather than on the wing, as Brazil pumped crosses into the box. The 25-year-old Arsenal forward, known for decisive late goals in the Premier League, delivered again. In the fifth minute of added time, Bruno Guimaraes supplied a cross from the right and Martinelli stabbed home the winner from close range.

Brazil's comeback was their first from behind in a World Cup knockout tie since the 2002 quarter-final against England, when Rivaldo and Ronaldinho scored in a 2-1 win. Japan had lost only one of their previous 16 matches and had beaten Brazil in a friendly last November.

Cultural resonance

For many fans, the fixture carried an extra layer of meaning: the long-unresolved final of the anime series "Captain Tsubasa" ("Oliver and Benji" in Spanish-speaking countries), which ended just before a World Cup clash between Brazil and Japan. Monday's match, with its late drama, gave a real-world ending to a story that has captivated generations.

What's next

Brazil will face the winner of the Ivory Coast-Norway tie in the round of 16. Neymar, still recovering from a calf injury, remained on the bench throughout the match but could feature later in the tournament.