Martinelli strikes late to send Brazil into last 16

Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in Houston and advance to the Round of 16 of the World Cup 2026, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a stoppage-time winner after substitute Endrick transformed the second half.

Japan took the lead in the 29th minute through Sano, who picked up a loose Danilo pass in midfield, drove 30 yards forward and drilled low past Alisson into the bottom left corner.

Brazil struggled badly in the first half. Their front three of Vinicius Jr, Matheus Cunha and Rayan recorded the fewest touches of any outfield players, managing just two shots on target from eight attempts.

Lucas Paqueta limped off at half-time with a foot injury. Ancelotti sent on Endrick in his place, with Cunha dropping slightly deeper to accommodate the young striker.

Brazil were a different side after the restart. Endrick's directness caused Japan problems down the right, and the Selecao poured forward with sustained pressure that Japan struggled to contain.

Guimaraes went close when Danilo crossed from the right, but his header was too central and Suzuki saved comfortably. Moments later, Casemiro dived for a loose ball in the six-yard box but Tomiyasu cleared off the line.

Vinicius Jr then weaved past two defenders into the left of the area and struck the post, with Suzuki getting a fingertip on the shot to divert it onto the woodwork.

The equaliser came in the 55th minute. Gabriel played a cross towards the back post and Casemiro arrived to nod home from close range.

Ancelotti brought on Martinelli for Cunha shortly after, and Japan responded with their own changes, sending on Sugawara, Suzuki, Tanaka and Machino to shore up their defensive shape.

Japan grew into the period following the equaliser. Ueda tested Alisson from outside the area and Maeda chased a long ball in behind, though Brazil's goalkeeper dealt with both without serious difficulty.

Brazil attempted 26 crosses in total, the most they had managed in the tournament. Japan held firm and, with Casemiro replaced by Fabinho in the 92nd minute, extra time appeared the likely outcome.

In the 95th minute, Tanaka lost possession on the edge of the area. Guimaraes collected and played the ball into Martinelli, who had space eight yards from goal and fired low past Suzuki into the bottom right corner.

Tanaka was in tears at the final whistle. Several Brazil players went over to console him after a performance that had caused the five-time champions considerable difficulty throughout the evening.

Neymar Junior spent the match in the bench, cheering his team on as they sealed a brilliant come-from-behind victory.

Martinelli's goal sealed a 2-1 win and Brazil's place in the last 16. Japan, who had led at half-time, were eliminated from the tournament.

Brazil will next play the winner between Norway and Ivory Coast.