Brazil Strike in Stoppage Time to Eliminate Japan and Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Last 16
By Cassie Brown
Published: 29 June 2026
Martinelli’s Last-Gasp Winner Sends Brazil Through
The Brazil national football team are through to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Japan national football team in an entertaining Round of 32 clash.
Brazil looked destined for extra time after battling back from an early deficit, but Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic winner in the 90+5th minute to keep the five-time world champions’ title hopes alive.
Japan Made Brazil Work
Japan stunned Brazil when Sami opened the scoring in the 29th minute, putting the Asian side on course for a famous upset.
Brazil responded after the break through veteran midfielder Casemiro, who levelled the match in the 56th minute with a composed finish.
With extra time looming, Martinelli delivered the decisive moment, firing home deep into stoppage time to seal Brazil’s place in the next round.
Goals
- 🇯🇵 Sami – 29′
- 🇧🇷 Casemiro – 56′
- 🇧🇷 Gabriel Martinelli – 90+5′
Brazil Await Their Next Opponent
Brazil’s reward is a place in the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of the upcoming knockout clash between Norway national football team and Ivory Coast national football team.
The winner of that tie will meet Brazil in what promises to be another high-quality knockout encounter as the tournament intensifies.
Title Ambitions Remain Alive
The victory underlines Brazil’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Although Japan produced another disciplined display, Brazil’s experience and attacking quality proved decisive in the closing moments.
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With players such as Casemiro and Martinelli stepping up when it mattered most, Brazil remain among the favourites to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy.
Final Thoughts
Brazil survived a major scare but found a way to overcome Japan thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time winner. The dramatic victory sends the South Americans into the Round of 16, where they will face either Norway or Ivory Coast as they continue their pursuit of a sixth FIFA World Cup title.
Sources and References
- FIFA World Cup 2026 official match report and Round of 32 results.
- Official FIFA tournament fixtures and knockout bracket.
Editorial Standards: This article is based on official FIFA World Cup 2026 match information and confirmed knockout-stage results available at the time of publication.
