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Brazil 2-1 Japan: Martinelli's 96th-Minute Winner

Jun 29, 2026

Brazil supporters fill the stands at Houston Stadium, where a 96th-minute Gabriel Martinelli winner beat Japan 2-1 in the World Cup 2026 Round of 32 on June 29

Brazil needed until the sixth minute of stoppage time, and they needed a substitute to do it. Japan led through Kaishu Sano, defended their lead deep into the night at Houston Stadium, and were within touching distance of one of the tournament's great upsets when Gabriel Martinelli curled in a 96th-minute winner. It finished 2-1, and Brazil are into the Round of 16 having been pushed far closer than the five-time champions would have liked.

Sano's first-half goal put Japan ahead and tested Brazil's patience for an hour. Casemiro headed the equaliser at the back post just before the hour, but the winner would not come until deep into added time, when Martinelli — on as a substitute — finished off a Bruno Guimarães pass. Japan go out having led for much of the night; Brazil move on to meet the Ivory Coast v Norway winner on July 5 at New York New Jersey Stadium.

How did Japan take the lead?

Japan are quick, organised and happy to play on the counter, and in the 29th minute they caught Brazil square. The move ended with Kaishu Sano arriving to finish, and a side that had reached the knockouts off a hard-earned group campaign suddenly had a lead to defend against the favourites.

It was not a shock in the way the scoreline alone suggests. Japan had beaten Tunisia 4-0 on the way here and arrived with no fear of a big name. Going ahead only confirmed what their tournament had already shown — that this is a Japan side good enough to trouble anyone, and disciplined enough to make a lead count.

How did Brazil get back level?

For all Brazil's attacking names, the equaliser came from Casemiro, who climbed at the back post to power a header home in the 56th minute. It was the set-piece threat Brazil had lacked while they probed without reward, and it dragged them level just as the frustration was building.

From there the game settled into a familiar shape: Brazil with the ball and the territory, Japan defending in numbers and breaking when they could. The favourites had got out of jail to 1-1, but the winner kept refusing to arrive — and the longer it stayed level, the more a Japan side defending this well looked capable of holding on.

What did Martinelli change?

He changed the result. Gabriel Martinelli had been sent on by Carlo Ancelotti in the 66th minute to add fresh legs and width, and the move paid off at the last. Deep into stoppage time, Bruno Guimarães slipped him in, and Martinelli took a touch before curling a finish beyond the Japan goalkeeper in the 96th minute.

It was exactly what a substitute is sent on to do — chase a game and win it when the clock has all but run out. Ancelotti's call to freshen the attack looked routine at the time and decisive by the end, and it spared Brazil a result that would have hung over the rest of their tournament.

What does this mean for both teams?

For Japan, it is a painful way to go out. They led for an hour, defended a draw deep into stoppage time, and lost to a single moment when extra time was almost in sight. There is no shame in losing to Brazil like this, and the performance backs up everything their tournament had promised — but knockout football does not hand out marks for how close you came.

For Brazil, it is a warning as much as a win. They are through to the Round of 16, where they meet the Ivory Coast v Norway winner on July 5, but a side that scored freely against Scotland and Haiti was made to labour here. They got the result; the performance leaves Ancelotti plenty to work on before the next round.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score in Brazil vs Japan at World Cup 2026?

Brazil 2-1 Japan. The Round of 32 tie at Houston Stadium on June 29, 2026 was won by a 96th-minute Gabriel Martinelli goal, after Kaishu Sano scored for Japan and Casemiro equalised for Brazil.

Who scored Brazil's winner against Japan?

Gabriel Martinelli. The substitute, brought on in the 66th minute, curled in the winner in the 96th minute after being played in by Bruno Guimarães.

Did Japan lead against Brazil?

Yes. Kaishu Sano put Japan 1-0 up in the 29th minute. Casemiro levelled for Brazil in the 56th before Martinelli's late winner.

Who do Brazil play next at World Cup 2026?

Brazil advance to the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of the Ivory Coast v Norway tie on July 5 at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Are Japan out of World Cup 2026?

Yes. The 2-1 defeat to Brazil in the Round of 32 ends Japan's tournament, a game they led until Casemiro's header and lost only to a goal in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

Data sources

Published: Jun 29, 2026