Brazil edge Japan 2-1 with stoppage-time winner to reach World Cup last 16

Brazil booked their place in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Gabriel Martinelli struck deep into stoppage time to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan in their Round of 32 clash on Monday.

The Arsenal forward emerged as Brazil’s hero at the NRG Stadium in Houston, firing home the winner in the fifth minute of added time to end a fiercely contested encounter.

Japan had looked set to produce one of the biggest upsets of the tournament after Kaishu Sano gave the Asian side a 29th-minute lead with a clinical counter-attacking finish.

Brazil struggled to respond before the break as Japan comfortably protected their advantage heading into half-time.

Seeking a turnaround, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti introduced striker Endrick for midfielder Lucas Paqueta at the start of the second half, a move that immediately lifted his side’s attacking threat.

The five-time world champions drew level in the 56th minute when Casemiro headed home from Gabriel Magalhaes’ inviting cross.

With the match seemingly heading for extra time, Japan were punished for a costly mistake in stoppage time after Ao Tanaka lost possession just outside the penalty area. The ball fell to Martinelli, who controlled it before calmly firing past the goalkeeper to complete Brazil’s comeback.

Brazil will now face the winner of the clash between Ivory Coast and Norway in the last 16.

Elsewhere, Germany were scheduled to take on Paraguay, with the winners advancing to face either France or Sweden.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said his team’s objective remained winning every match despite not being among the tournament favourites.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands were preparing for a difficult encounter against Morocco, with coach Ronald Koeman praising the North Africans’ quality and attacking threat.

The winners of that fixture will meet co-hosts Canada, who became the first team to reach the last 16 after defeating South Africa 1-0 on Sunday courtesy of an injury-time goal from captain Stephen Eustaquio.