Brazil 2-1 Japan: Martinelli fires Brazil into World Cup last 16

Gabriel Martinelli struck deep into stoppage time to send Brazil into the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Japan.

The Arsenal forward scored in the 96th minute after Bruno Guimaraes regained possession on the edge of the penalty area and threaded a pass into Martinelli, who calmly guided his effort in off the post to settle a fiercely contested round-of-32 tie.

Late drama seals Brazil victory

Japan looked the better side for much of the opening half and deservedly took the lead through Kaishu Sano.

The midfielder capitalised on a misplaced pass from Danilo, surged past Casemiro and fired a low shot into the bottom corner to put the Asian side ahead.

Brazil struggled to find their rhythm before the interval but returned with greater urgency after the restart.

The equaliser arrived 10 minutes into the second half when Casemiro powered home Gabriel’s cross from close range to bring Carlo Ancelotti’s side level.

Moments later, Brazil almost completed the turnaround through Vinicius Junior.

The forward weaved past two defenders after collecting the ball inside the Japan half, but goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced an outstanding save to push his effort onto the post.

Brazil set for knockout challenge

Japan remained disciplined defensively and looked capable of forcing extra time as Brazil found clear-cut opportunities increasingly difficult to create.

However, their resistance was broken in the closing seconds after Ao Tanaka lost possession near his own penalty area.

Guimaraes reacted quickly to recover the ball before finding Martinelli, who kept his composure to score the decisive goal and send the five-time world champions through to the last 16.

Brazil’s persistence ultimately proved decisive against a determined Japanese side that had matched the South Americans for long periods but fell just short of producing another World Cup upset.

Ancelotti’s team will now continue their quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup title after surviving one of their toughest tests of the tournament so far.