Brazil produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat Japan 2-1 and book their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

A stoppage-time winner from Gabriel Martinelli sealed victory for the five-time world champions after they had trailed for much of the contest against a spirited Japanese side.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men looked set for a disappointing exit after Japan took a deserved first-half lead and frustrated Brazil for long periods. However, a second-half turnaround, inspired by tactical changes from the experienced Italian coach, kept Brazil’s hopes of winning a sixth World Cup title alive.

Japan started the match brightly and were rewarded for their aggressive approach in the first half. Midfielder Kaishu Sano capitalised on a misplaced pass from Danilo, drove past Casemiro and fired a low shot into the bottom corner to give the Asian side a deserved lead.

Brazil struggled to break down Japan’s organised five-man defence before the interval, and concerns grew among their supporters as the underdogs continued to frustrate them.

However, the match changed after the break when Ancelotti introduced Endrick and adjusted his team’s attacking approach. Brazil began using the wide areas more effectively and increased the number of crosses into the penalty area.

Their pressure finally paid off in the 55th minute when Casemiro rose highest to powerfully head home Gabriel’s cross from the back post and level the scores.

The equaliser lifted Brazil, who nearly took the lead moments later through Vinicius Junior. The winger produced a brilliant individual run, beating two defenders before seeing his effort brilliantly tipped onto the post by Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

Despite Brazil’s dominance, Japan remained disciplined and continued to defend bravely. Defender Takehiro Tomiyasu made a crucial goal-line clearance, while the Japanese side occasionally threatened on the counter-attack.

Just as extra time appeared inevitable, Japan made a costly mistake deep into stoppage time. Ao Tanaka lost possession close to his own penalty area, allowing Bruno Guimaraes to quickly feed Gabriel Martinelli. The Arsenal forward controlled the ball calmly before firing a low shot off the post and into the net in the 95th minute.

The dramatic goal sparked wild celebrations among the Brazilian players and supporters, while Japan were left heartbroken after coming so close to forcing extra time.

Brazil will now face either Norway or Ivory Coast in the Round of 16 as they continue their quest for a sixth FIFA World Cup title.

For Japan, the defeat marks another painful exit from the tournament’s knockout stages despite an impressive performance. Coach Hajime Moriyasu’s tactical plan worked brilliantly for much of the game, but one late mistake ended the hopes of a side that had pushed one of football’s greatest nations to the very limit.

Once again, Carlo Ancelotti’s experience proved decisive as Brazil survived a major scare to keep their World Cup dream alive.