Martinelli's Injury-Time Winner Crushes Japan's Hopes, Sends Brazil to World Cup Round of 16

Brazil secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Japan in a World Cup group stage match on Monday in Houston, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring the winner deep into injury time. The result ensured Brazil's advancement to the knockout stage.

Japan took the lead in the 30th minute through Kaishu Sano, who intercepted a pass in midfield and fired a precise long-range shot past the Brazilian goalkeeper. Brazil dominated possession but struggled to break down Japan's disciplined defense.

The second half saw Brazil increase the pressure. Casemiro equalized in the 56th minute, heading in from a Gabriel Magalhães cross. Vinícius Júnior later hit the post. As the match seemed headed for a draw, Japan made a costly mistake near their own box in the fifth minute of added time. Bruno Guimarães played the ball to Martinelli, who slotted home from close range to make it 2-1.

Brazil will face either Ivory Coast or Norway in the round of 16. The two teams have met 14 times previously, with Brazil winning 11, drawing two, and losing the most recent friendly in October 2025 to Japan. Their only previous World Cup encounter was in 2006, a 4-1 Brazilian victory.

The 2026 World Cup is the first edition featuring 48 teams and is co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The top two from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, advance to the knockout stage. Semifinals are scheduled for July 14 and 15, the third-place match on July 18, and the final on July 19.