The Brazilian national team secured their place in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup after securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan in the round of 32 match at Houston Stadium, United States.
Having fallen behind to Kaishu Sano's goal, Selecao turned things around through goals from Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli.
Thanks to this result, Brazil advanced to the round of 16 and will face the winner of the match between Ivory Coast and Norway. Meanwhile, Japan's progress was halted in the round of 32.
Japan stunned Brazil by taking the lead in the 29th minute through Sano's individual play. The Japanese midfielder dribbled from near the halfway line, broke through the Brazilian defense, and unleashed a low shot from outside the penalty area that eluded Alisson Becker.
The goal gave Japan a 1-0 lead at halftime, despite Brazil being under pressure for the first 45 minutes.
