Brazil defeated Japan 2-1 on Monday (29) in Houston, United States, and advanced to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.
Japan took the lead in the first half through Kaishu Sano. In the second half, Casemiro equalized with a header after a cross from Gabriel Magalhães.
Gabriel Martinelli, who replaced Matheus Cunha, scored the winner in stoppage time after an assist from Bruno Guimarães. The Newcastle midfielder now leads the World Cup assists chart with four goal contributions.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti praised the team’s response and noted that suffering is normal in football. Brazil awaits the winner of the Ivory Coast versus Norway match to learn its round-of-16 opponent, scheduled for Sunday (5).
