Martinelli’s Stoppage-Time Strike Sends Brazil Past Japan at World Cup

Martinelli's Stoppage-Time Strike Sends Brazil Past Japan at World Cup

Gabriel Martinelli scored in the 96th minute to give Brazil a 2-1 victory over Japan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 at Houston Stadium, preserving the five-time champions’ place in the tournament after a match in which they trailed for much of the first half.

Japan opened the scoring in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano intercepted a misplaced Brazil pass near midfield, carried forward and drove a right-footed shot past goalkeeper Alisson from just outside the penalty area. Brazil equalised shortly after the interval through a Casemiro header, converted from a Gabriel Magalhães delivery into the box, but were unable to find a winner through an extended second half despite sustained pressure. Vinícius Júnior struck the far post in the 58th minute after getting clear on the left side of the box. Martinelli, introduced as a substitute, eventually settled the tie by receiving the ball in the left channel, taking a touch and rolling a low shot off the far post and in.

Japan had qualified for the knockout stage by finishing second in Group F following a draw with the Netherlands, a draw with Sweden and a 4-0 win over Tunisia, making them a credible opponent rather than a formality. Brazil’s difficulty in breaking them down reflected a pattern that has seen several heavily favoured sides struggle in this tournament’s early knockout rounds.

Brazil will face the winner of the Ivory Coast-Norway Round of 32 match in the Round of 16. Japan exit without recording a World Cup knockout-stage victory, having come close to one of the competition’s more significant upsets before Martinelli’s late intervention.