Dramatic injury-time goal sends Brazil past Japan into World Cup 2026 Round of 16

Brazil clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory against Japan in the Round of 32, securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16. The match, held at Houston Stadium in the United States, was decided in injury time, showcasing a thrilling comeback from the Brazilian side.

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Selecao almost equalized in the 51st minute through Danilo's header, but Zion Suzuki made a sharp save.

Japan stunned Brazil by taking the lead in the 29th minute. Midfielder Kaishu Sano executed a brilliant individual effort, dribbling past the Brazilian defense and firing a low shot from outside the penalty area that Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker could not reach. Despite being under pressure for much of the first half, Japan managed to hold onto their 1-0 lead into halftime.

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Casemiro successfully headed Gabriel Magalhaes' cross to the far post to change the score to 1-1.

Brazil, determined to turn the tide, made tactical changes at the start of the second half, bringing on Endrick to bolster their attack. Their persistent pressure paid off in the 54th minute when Casemiro headed home a cross from Gabriel Magalhaes to level the score at 1-1. Vinicius Junior came close to giving Brazil the lead shortly after, but his shot, after evading several Japanese defenders, struck the post.

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Vinicius Junior almost put Brazil ahead two minutes later, but his shot after passing several Japanese players only hit the post after being tipped by Suzuki.

The decisive moment arrived in the 95th minute of injury time. Substitute Gabriel Martinelli found himself unmarked in the penalty area to receive a pass from Bruno Guimaraes. He calmly finished past Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, sealing the 2-1 win for Brazil and ending Japan's World Cup journey. Brazil now advances to face the winner of the match between Ivory Coast and Norway in the next round.

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The long-awaited winning goal finally came in injury time, precisely in the 95th minute.