Japan’s hopes of making a deep run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to an end after suffering a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Brazil in the Round of 32 at Houston Stadium, United States, on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
The Samurai Blue took the lead through Kaishi Sano in the 29th minute. However, the Selecao equalized when Casemiro found the net in the 56th minute.
The match appeared destined for extra time, but Gabriel Martinelli emerged as Brazil’s hero by scoring the winning goal in stoppage time (90+6), securing Brazil’s place in the Round of 16. There, the five-time world champions will face the winner of the match between Ivory Coast and Norway.
The match proved to be a major test for Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti. After trailing at halftime, the Italian manager urged his players to remain calm and focused. His instructions paid off as Brazil completed the comeback to book a place in the next round.
“We never lost our patience. We played well in the first half. In the second half, we delivered more crosses into the penalty area. We have plenty of options, both on the field and on the bench. Japan was not an easy opponent—they played with great organization and intensity,” Ancelotti said, as quoted by FIFA.
The Italian coach also revealed that he had planned to introduce Neymar if the match had gone into extra time. However, Martinelli’s dramatic late goal made that substitution unnecessary.
Brazil’s match-winner, Gabriel Martinelli, admitted it was difficult to describe his emotions after scoring the goal that secured Brazil’s place in the Round of 16.
“After my shot hit the post earlier, I believed I would get another chance. The most important thing is that I was able to help the team, whether playing on the left wing or through the middle,” he said.
Moriyasu Proud Despite Elimination
Meanwhile, Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu said he was disappointed by his team’s elimination but proud of the determination his players showed throughout the match.
“It’s unfortunate that our journey in this tournament has ended here. However, the players truly gave everything they had. I hope we have made everyone proud, and I hope the players receive the appreciation they deserve for fighting until the very last minute,” Moriyasu said.
He added that Japan had held the advantage in the first half but ultimately had to leave the tournament empty-handed and deeply disappointed.
The match marked Japan’s second World Cup meeting with Brazil, exactly 20 years after their encounter at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, where the Asian side suffered a 4-1 defeat.***
