Gabriel Martinelli Emerges as Hero, Brazil Eliminate Japan in the Round of 32

The Brazil national team had to battle hard before securing their ticket to the 2026 World Cup Round of 16. After falling behind early against Japan, the Selecao finally mounted a comeback to claim a dramatic 2-1 victory in their Round of 32 fixture held at Houston Stadium, United States, in the early hours of WIB on Tuesday 30 June 2026.

Brazil's victory was sealed by goals from Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli, after Japan had taken an earlier lead courtesy of an impressive individual display from Kaishu Sano.

This result sends Brazil through to the Round of 16. Carlo Ancelotti's side will next face the winner of the knockout tie between Ivory Coast and Norway. Meanwhile, Japan's 2026 World Cup campaign ends at the Round of 32 stage.

Japan started the match on the front foot and sprung a shock opener in the 29th minute. Kaishu Sano broke the deadlock with a spectacular solo run: picking up possession near the halfway line, the Japanese midfielder dribbled past multiple Brazil players before unleashing a fierce low drive from outside the penalty box that Alisson Becker could not keep out.

Despite dominating possession for large periods, Brazil struggled to break down Japan's disciplined defensive block. The Blue Samurai held their 1-0 advantage going into the half-time interval.

Straight after the restart for the second half, Carlo Ancelotti made an immediate tactical adjustment, introducing Endrick in place of Lucas Paqueta to add extra attacking thrust up front.

Brazil came agonisingly close to equalising in the 51st minute via a Danilo header, but Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced a brilliant reaction save to deny the effort. Just 60 seconds later, Bruno Guimaraes also saw his headed effort cleared off the line by Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Relentless Brazilian pressure finally told in the 54th minute. Casemiro met Gabriel Magalhaes' cross with an accurate header into the far post, levelling the score at 1-1.

After drawing level, Brazil pushed forward with even greater urgency in search of a winning goal. Vinicius Junior very nearly turned the game around after weaving past several Japanese defenders, only for his shot to hit the post following an initial parry from Zion Suzuki.

Just as the match appeared set to go to extra time, Brazil sealed the win deep in stoppage time at the 95th minute. Substitute Gabriel Martinelli collected a perfectly weighted through ball from Bruno Guimaraes inside the penalty area, before placing a calm clinical finish beyond the reach of Suzuki.

Martinelli's late strike confirmed the 2-1 result and secured Brazil's progression in the 2026 World Cup. Japan exit the tournament having fought valiantly and pushed the Selecao right until the final seconds of the match.