Brazil survived a major scare in Houston as Gabriel Martinelli scored deep into stoppage time to seal a 2-1 comeback win over Japan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. The five-time champions were minutes away from extra time before Carlo Ancelotti's second-half changes turned the match around.
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Brazil faces Japan in Houston for a FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout match, contrasting Brazil's attacking quality with Japan's tactical discipline amid expected intense conditions at NRG Stadium.
Japan led at half-time through Sano's 29th-minute strike, created after a loose Danilo pass and finished with composure on the break. Brazil had more possession before the interval, but Japan stayed compact and forced Ancelotti's side into rushed attacks rather than clear chances.
Brazil vs Japan
Brazil vs Japan: Martinelli completes late turnaround
The equaliser came in the 56th minute when Casemiro headed home Gabriel Magalhaes' cross at the far post. Ancelotti had already sent on Endrick at half-time, and Brazil looked sharper after the break, with Vinicius Junior and Bruno Guimaraes both going close before the breakthrough.
The winner arrived in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Martinelli, brought on midway through the second half, found space inside the Japan box and finished calmly past Zion Suzuki. It was a fitting end to Brazil's late surge and a reward for their sustained pressure after the interval.
Japan still had moments, including a save from Alisson Becker after Ayase Ueda's effort in the 64th minute, but they could not hold on. The result takes Brazil into the quarter-finals, though the performance will leave questions about their first-half tempo and defensive vulnerability.
HERE ARE BRAZIL vs JAPAN FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 KNOCK OUT STAGE HIGHLIGHTS:
Jun 30, 2026, 12:34 AM IST
Brazil wins 2-1 vs Japan
Brazil has entered the round of 16. What a come back it was...my god...Brazil came strong in the second half and scored 2 goals to move ahead of Japan. Japan is now eliminated from FIFA World Cup 2026.
Jun 30, 2026, 12:32 AM IST
Brazil 2-1 Japan
With a last minute goal, Martinelli has clinched victory from Japan's Jaw.
Jun 30, 2026, 12:28 AM IST
Goal!!!!
Brazil scores winning goal in 90+5 minutes. This team has shown that they are real champions.
Jun 30, 2026, 12:25 AM IST
Substitution
A concern for Brazil as Casemiro limps off the pitch and is replaced by Fabinho. The veteran midfielder appears to be struggling, with Brazil hoping it's nothing serious heading into the closing minutes.
Jun 30, 2026, 12:23 AM IST
Extra Time
Six more minutes have been added to the play. Both teams will eye the tie breaker here. Brazil 1-1 Japan
Jun 30, 2026, 12:22 AM IST
Japan threaten late
Japan finally break forward after soaking up sustained pressure, but Machino's low cross from the right lacks pace and is comfortably cleared by the Brazil defence.
88 mins: Brazil 1-1 Japan
Jun 30, 2026, 12:13 AM IST
Penalty appeals waved away!
Rayan races onto Casemiro's long ball and goes down under pressure from J. Suzuki right on the edge of the box. Brazil want a foul, but the referee isn't interested and waves play on.
Jun 30, 2026, 12:11 AM IST
Brazil waste another chance
Martinelli fires over after Japan only half-clear Santos' cross, with Brazil's pressure continuing to build. Japan then freshen things up, bringing on Machino and Tanaka for Junya Ito and Kamada.
78 mins: Brazil 1-1 Japan
Jun 30, 2026, 12:09 AM IST
Brazil pushing for a winner
Brazil are straight back on the front foot, patiently probing for another opening as Japan drop deeper to protect the draw. The pressure is mounting with every attack.
Jun 30, 2026, 12:02 AM IST
Hydration Break
Jun 29, 2026, 11:55 PM IST
Brazil piling on the pressure
Brazil have the momentum now, with Japan beginning to look rattled. Ancelotti is animated on the touchline as the Selecao keep pushing, but Gabriel slightly overhits a pass for Vinicius Jr, allowing Japan a brief moment to regroup.
Jun 29, 2026, 11:52 PM IST
Vinicius Jr so close!
Brilliant from Vinicius Jr! He leaves Tomiyasu behind with a nutmeg, dances past another defender and beats Suzuki, but his shot crashes off the post. Japan survive by the finest of margins.
Jun 29, 2026, 11:49 PM IST
Casemiro brings Brazil level! Brazil 1-1 Japan
Casemiro makes amends in style! After missing a good chance moments earlier, the veteran midfielder powers home the equaliser to bring Brazil back into the contest. The Selecao's relentless pressure finally pays off, and it's all square once again.
Jun 29, 2026, 11:47 PM IST
GOAL!!!!
Brazil levels the score.
Jun 29, 2026, 11:46 PM IST
Suzuki keeps Japan ahead!
Brazil come close to an equaliser as Guimaraes powers a header goalwards from Danilo's inviting cross, but Suzuki reacts brilliantly to dive across and make a superb save. A huge stop to preserve Japan's lead.
Jun 29, 2026, 11:42 PM IST
Danilo shown a yellow
Japan spring another dangerous counter as Maeda races into space, forcing Danilo to bring him down with a cynical challenge. The Brazilian defender is immediately booked, and Japan earn a promising free-kick.
Jun 29, 2026, 11:40 PM IST
Second Half
The second half of this game looks more exciting as Brazil will put all power to level the scores ASAP.
Jun 29, 2026, 11:20 PM IST
Half Time
Japan is leading 1-0 vs Brazil.
Jun 29, 2026, 11:17 PM IST
Kamada shown yellow card
Japan's Kamada becomes the latest player booked after hauling down Guimaraes to stop a dangerous Brazil counter-attack. A tactical foul, and the referee wastes no time reaching for the yellow card.
Jun 29, 2026, 11:16 PM IST
Extra Time
Four minutes have been added to the play as stoppage time.
Jun 29, 2026, 11:14 PM IST
Japan refusing to let Brazil settle
Japan are pressing relentlessly, swarming Vinicius Jr whenever he gets on the ball and leaving him little room to operate. Maeda then nicks possession off Casemiro in midfield, but the break loses momentum as Brazil recover before Japan can make it count.
Jun 29, 2026, 11:10 PM IST
Brazil firing from range
Brazil continue to dominate possession, but Japan's disciplined defence is forcing them into speculative efforts. Cunha tries his luck from distance, but the tame strike is comfortably collected by Suzuki as Japan hold firm.
Jun 29, 2026, 11:06 PM IST
Brazil searching for an instant reply
The Selecao respond with urgency after falling behind. Marquinhos can't steer Paqueta's free-kick on target, while Vinicius Jr's long-range effort is comfortably gathered by Suzuki as Japan's defence continues to stand firm.
Jun 29, 2026, 11:03 PM IST
Brazil 0-1 Japan
What a strike! Sano pounces on Danilo's loose pass in midfield, surges past Casemiro with purpose and unleashes a superb right-footed effort from outside the box into the bottom-left corner. Japan have the breakthrough against the run of play!
Jun 29, 2026, 11:00 PM IST
GOAL!!!!
Japan scores first goal and leaves Brazil stunned.
Jun 29, 2026, 10:57 PM IST
Play Resumes
Brazil and Japan have displayed equal intensity and skills till now.
Jun 29, 2026, 10:55 PM IST
Hydration Break
Time for drinks...
Jun 29, 2026, 10:54 PM IST
Japan stand firm against Brazil
Japan are matching Brazil's intensity now, snapping into tackles and refusing to give the Selecao any time on the ball. Vinicius Jr and Danilo are both dispossessed in quick succession, while another dangerous cross from the Real Madrid winger is calmly cleared by the Japanese defence.
Jun 29, 2026, 10:50 PM IST
Japan settle into the game
After a shaky start, Japan are finally asking questions of Brazil. Maeda bursts forward down the right, but the promising move comes to an abrupt end as Junya Ito is pulled up for a handball.
Jun 29, 2026, 10:48 PM IST
Japan wastes a free-kick
Japan earn a promising free-kick just outside the box after Casemiro brings down Junya Ito, with the Brazilian midfielder shown a yellow card. Kamada's effort smashes into the wall, and although Japan force a corner, Brazil clear their lines with ease.
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Jun 29, 2026, 9:55 pm IST
Brazil vs Japan FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE
Hello and welcome to live written coverage for Brazil vs Japan FIFA World Cup 2026 knock out match. Tonight, one team will more to round of 16 and one will take the flight back home.
Jun 29, 2026, 9:59 pm IST
Brazil vs Japan: Players To Watch Out
All eyes will be on Neymar Jr as he is Brazil's top star and all responsibilities will be on his shoulder. While Japan will depend on Ayase Ueda and Daichi Kamada more in tonight's match vs Brazil.
Jun 29, 2026, 10:04 pm IST
Good News For Japan
Japan's defence gets a timely boost as the injury-hit defender Takehiro Tomiyasu returns for his second World Cup start.
Takehiro Tomiyasu and Shogo Taniguchi are also back in the XI, restoring the heart of the back three.
A major defensive reshuffle for Japan ahead of their Round of 32 showdown.
Jun 29, 2026, 10:14 pm IST
Game On...
Stadium visuals shared by fans on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
History favours Brazil, who have dominated this fixture with 11 wins from 14 meetings and a commanding 4-1 triumph in the teams' only World Cup encounter back in 2006.
Yet Japan arrive with momentum and confidence, having snapped that streak in their last meeting by overturning a two-goal deficit to beat Brazil 3-2 in Tokyo, with Ueda netting the decisive goal.
Jun 29, 2026, 10:23 pm IST
National Anthems
Brazil and Japan players have stepped on the ground and are lining up for the National Anthems. The Brazil vs Japan FIFA World Cup 2026 knock out match will begin shortly after it.
Jun 29, 2026, 10:27 pm IST
Brazil Team
Brazil’s starting XI (4-3-3): Alisson (goalkeeper); Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Casemiro, Guimaraes, Paqueta; Rayan, Cunha, Vinicius Jr
Brazil takes on Japan in round of 32 match in Houston.
Jun 29, 2026, 10:35 pm IST
Brazil win the first corner!
Brazil threaten early as Japan press aggressively from the kickoff. A foul by Tomiyasu on Paqueta hands the Selecao a dangerous opening, and Guimaraes' effort from the edge of the box takes a deflection behind for a corner. Japan, however, deal comfortably with the set-piece and clear the danger.
Jun 29, 2026, 10:37 pm IST
Vini Jr tests Japan early
Vinicius Jr races onto a ball over the top, but Japan goalkeeper Suzuki is quick off his line to punch clear. He may have made harder work of it than necessary, but Japan survive the early scare.
Jun 29, 2026, 10:43 pm IST
Brazil turning the screw
Brazil continue to dictate the tempo, patiently probing as Japan sit deep and defend in numbers. Danilo's dangerous delivery from the byline causes chaos in the box, but Brazil's effort cannoned off a teammate, allowing Japan to escape.
10 mins: Brazil 0-0 Japan
Jun 29, 2026, 10:44 pm IST
Yellow Card
Japan finally threaten through Nakamura, whose inviting cross from the left is dealt with by Brazil's defence. Moments later, Sano catches Vinicius Jr with another late challenge, leaving the referee with little choice but to brandish the first yellow card.
Jun 29, 2026, 10:48 pm IST
Japan wastes a free-kick
Japan earn a promising free-kick just outside the box after Casemiro brings down Junya Ito, with the Brazilian midfielder shown a yellow card. Kamada's effort smashes into the wall, and although Japan force a corner, Brazil clear their lines with ease.
Jun 29, 2026, 10:50 pm IST
Japan settle into the game
After a shaky start, Japan are finally asking questions of Brazil. Maeda bursts forward down the right, but the promising move comes to an abrupt end as Junya Ito is pulled up for a handball.
Jun 29, 2026, 10:54 pm IST
Japan stand firm against Brazil
Japan are matching Brazil's intensity now, snapping into tackles and refusing to give the Selecao any time on the ball. Vinicius Jr and Danilo are both dispossessed in quick succession, while another dangerous cross from the Real Madrid winger is calmly cleared by the Japanese defence.
Jun 29, 2026, 10:55 pm IST
Hydration Break
Time for drinks...
Jun 29, 2026, 10:57 pm IST
Play Resumes
Brazil and Japan have displayed equal intensity and skills till now.
Jun 29, 2026, 11:00 pm IST
GOAL!!!!
Japan scores first goal and leaves Brazil stunned.
Jun 29, 2026, 11:03 pm IST
Brazil 0-1 Japan
What a strike! Sano pounces on Danilo's loose pass in midfield, surges past Casemiro with purpose and unleashes a superb right-footed effort from outside the box into the bottom-left corner. Japan have the breakthrough against the run of play!
Jun 29, 2026, 11:06 pm IST
Brazil searching for an instant reply
The Selecao respond with urgency after falling behind. Marquinhos can't steer Paqueta's free-kick on target, while Vinicius Jr's long-range effort is comfortably gathered by Suzuki as Japan's defence continues to stand firm.
Jun 29, 2026, 11:10 pm IST
Brazil firing from range
Brazil continue to dominate possession, but Japan's disciplined defence is forcing them into speculative efforts. Cunha tries his luck from distance, but the tame strike is comfortably collected by Suzuki as Japan hold firm.
Jun 29, 2026, 11:14 pm IST
Japan refusing to let Brazil settle
Japan are pressing relentlessly, swarming Vinicius Jr whenever he gets on the ball and leaving him little room to operate. Maeda then nicks possession off Casemiro in midfield, but the break loses momentum as Brazil recover before Japan can make it count.
Jun 29, 2026, 11:16 pm IST
Extra Time
Four minutes have been added to the play as stoppage time.
Jun 29, 2026, 11:17 pm IST
Kamada shown yellow card
Japan's Kamada becomes the latest player booked after hauling down Guimaraes to stop a dangerous Brazil counter-attack. A tactical foul, and the referee wastes no time reaching for the yellow card.
Jun 29, 2026, 11:20 pm IST
Half Time
Japan is leading 1-0 vs Brazil.
Jun 29, 2026, 11:40 pm IST
Second Half
The second half of this game looks more exciting as Brazil will put all power to level the scores ASAP.
Jun 29, 2026, 11:42 pm IST
Danilo shown a yellow
Japan spring another dangerous counter as Maeda races into space, forcing Danilo to bring him down with a cynical challenge. The Brazilian defender is immediately booked, and Japan earn a promising free-kick.
Jun 29, 2026, 11:46 pm IST
Suzuki keeps Japan ahead!
Brazil come close to an equaliser as Guimaraes powers a header goalwards from Danilo's inviting cross, but Suzuki reacts brilliantly to dive across and make a superb save. A huge stop to preserve Japan's lead.
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