Martinelli Strikes in Stoppage Time as Brazil Edge Japan 2-1 to Reach Round of 16

Brazil have advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 2-1 comeback victory over Japan in Houston on Monday extending their remarkable record of reaching the last 16 for an 11th consecutive tournament.

The last time Brazil failed to reach the Round of 16 dates all the way back to 1982 a reflection of the consistency the South American giants have shown on the world stage across the decades.

Japan took a surprise lead through Kaishu Sano in the 29th minute, silencing a Brazil side that had dominated possession from the first whistle. Casemiro levelled in the 56th minute to restore parity and set up a tense finale.

With the clock running out and extra time looming, Gabriel Martinelli received a pass right in front of goal in the 90th+5 minute and tapped home to seal a 2-1 win sending Brazil through and ending Japan’s brave resistance.

Bruno Guimarães provided the decisive assist after winning the ball at the top of the box and threading a pass through the Japanese defence to find Martinelli.

Japan had been targeting a place in the quarter-finals for the first time in their history and gave Brazil every problem throughout the contest but the quality of the five-time World Cup winners proved the difference in the end.