Gabriel Martinelli leads Brazil to 2-1 win over Japan, securing a place in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16

That brings us to the end of our live blog coverage of Brazil's 2-1 victory over Japan. We’ll be back soon with more coverage.

Brazil and Japan played a rather unusual game. In the first half, Brazil was completely dominated, as their high press and possession were totally ineffective. In addition, they gave the ball away too often in midfield, which led to Kaishu Sano’s goal. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s adjustments made all the difference in the second half. There, they truly shone against their opponent, becoming the sole dominators of the game, decided by Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli.

Japan managed to surprise in the first half, putting up strong resistance against their opponents’ attacks. They also excelled on the counterattack, creating several chances and dominating the game as the more dangerous side. However, they were outplayed in the second half, losing all their intensity. Although they were still formidable, they were forced to defend, which led to the equalizing goal that changed everything. After failing to break the deadlock, the game went into extra time.

Brazil have decided to take Bruno Guimaraes off. In his place, Danilo gets on field.

After a collective game, Bruno Guimaraes receives the ball, finding Gabriel Martinelli in the left side without marks. With a masterclass, he launches a great shoot to score the victory goal for Brazil vs Japan.

After suffering an injury, Casemiro is forced to be substituted by Carlo Ancelotti. In his place, Fabinho gets on field.

After applying intense pressure in the first half and much of the second, Japan have completely lost their intensity on the field. Its star players no longer have the same speed to launch counterattacks, and are now limited to defense.

Japan have lost control of the midfield, giving away key balls and failing to regain their presence on the counterattack. Takefusa Kubo’s creative absence is being felt, as there is no connection between the wingers and the midfield.

Japan have decided to take Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito off the field. In their place, Ao Tanaka and Shuto Machino get on field.

Unlike in the first half, Brazil are playing impressively. They have managed to impose their high press and dominate possession. As a result, Japan has been forced to sit back and has been relegated to a secondary role. Endrick has been key, dropping deep to create space and then pushing forward again up front alongside Vinicius Jr.

After the three-minute hydration break, the referee resumes play between Brazil and Japan.

Brazil have decided to take Matheus Cunha off field. In his place, Gabriel Martinelli gets on field.

Japan have decided to take Ritsu Doan and Keito Nakamura off field. In their place, Yukinari Sugawara and Junnosuke Suzuki get on field.

Japan have lost theircomposure after Casemiro's goal. Now, they're leaving a lot of space behind them and are no longer defending solidly. Given this, Brazil could be on the verge of scoring a second goal.

After Casemiro's equalizer, Brazil have really taken control of the game against Japan. Taking advantage of their opponents' weakness in the air, they are sending in constant crosses, looking to win the game. In addition, Vinicius Jr. has been able to create more chances on the counterattack, as his opponents are now leaving spaces behind them.

Brazil came close to tying the game. After a cross into the opponent's box, Matehus Cunha headed the ball down, and Dani tried to score. However, Zion Suzuki made a heroic save. A few minutes later, Gabriel Magalhaes centered the ball into Japan’s area. With a brilliant header, Carlos Casemiro win the aeriel duel, scoring the goal for brazil.

Despite Endrick's entry into the game, Brazil are still unable to dominate Japan. Hajime Moriyasu's team is managing to control the pace of the game with short but efficient passes. Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti's team seems lost on offense.

Brazil vs Japan second half is underway.

Looking to boost Brazil's offense, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has decided to take Lucas Paqueta off field. In his place, Endrick gets on field.

Throughout the match, Brazil remained the team that controlled the ball the most. By maintaining long periods of possession and pressing high, they dominated the opening minutes of the game. However, their midfielders couldn’t find any openings in the opposing defense, leaving Vinicius Jr. without any clear scoring chances. Furthermore, Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães were very ineffective, allowing Kaishu Sano to break through and score a spectacular goal.

Japan have shown that it doesn't need to dominate possession to be the best on the field. With a solid defensive setup, they close down space for their opponents, leaving them with no options. In addition, they are quick on the counterattack, with ball possession that reaches the opponent’s box. However, Kaishu Sano was the most decisive player, dribbling past numerous stars in midfield and unleashing a powerful long-range shot.

Both Bruno Guimarães and Casemiro have brought stability to the team in recent minutes. However, they have not managed to inject creativity into the team’s play between the lines. Furthermore, Lucas Paquetá is sticking close to Vinicius Jr. on the wing, but he is not opening up spaces between the lines or playing through balls behind the opposing defense. Carlo Ancelotti might opt for tactical adjustments soon.

With two defensive lines, Japan remain the most solid team on the field. With no space to exploit, Brazil struggles in the middle and on the wings. In addition, they often win the ball back quickly, launching numerous counterattacks that stifle Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

Throughout the game, Brazil dominated possession and constantly sought to score. However, they are unable to find openings in the opposing defense, as Lucas Paquetá and Vinicius Jr. failed to make an impact. As a result, Japan shone with their solid defensive block and on the counterattack.

After intercepting a pass in Brazil's midfield, Kaishu Sano dribbled through the opposing players, reaching the edge of the box. With a powerful shot from outside the box, he scored Japan's first goal.

After the three-minute hydration break, the referee resumes play between Brazil and Japan.

Brazil started with a high press dominating Japan, but they have not managed to keep the intensity. With this, Japan have gained protagonism with the counterattacks, while Vinicius Jr. do not find gaps in the rivals' defense.

Although Japan aren't taking center stage, they are the team that builds offensive plays best. With short passes, they manage to get into the opponent's box quickly. They haven't had a shot on goal yet, but they've shown that they don't need to dominate possession to  shine in the game.

Despite Brazil's high press, Japan feel comfortable with a low-defensive block. While they have high power in the counterattack, they seem without rush to attack, remaining patient in their area. 

Brazil vs Japan 2026 World Cup clash is already underway at Houston Stadium.

After establishing as FC Barcelona’s top star, Raphinha arrived as one of Brazil’s top stars for the 2026 World Cup. However, he failed to score in the debut against Morocco. Although he was expected to shine against Haiti, he suffered a tear of the biceps femoris in his right leg and was substituted in the 40th minute.

Subsequent clinical medical scans confirmed a recurrence of the exact same hamstring injury that sidelined him for five weeks during the European club season in March. Though his absence creates an immediate void in creative set-pieces and direct wide play, Raphinha’s 2026 World Cup campaign is not yet officially over. He can still return to play the Round of 16 with Brazil.

Takefusa Kubo has emerged as one of Japan's best players. After shining at Real Sociedad as one of the top playmakers, he arrived at the 2026 World Cup poised to be one of the standout players. However, he suffered a lingering left-knee injury in the tournament opener against the Netherlands. “I’m hoping for a speedy recovery and he’s doing everything he can to pick up his conditioning, [but] he will not play in the Brazil game,” head coach Hajime Moriyasu said.

Without Kubo in the starting lineup, Japan lose their creative hub, who used to open up space in the opponent’s half. In his place, Daizen Maeda and Junya Ito will be tasked with leading the attack. However, neither of them possesses the same vision on the field, which could significantly hinder them on counterattacks. For this reason, Ritsu Doan will need to step up in Kubo’s absence.

Despite his disappointing start, Brazil have secured their place in the knockout stage as leaders of the group. With this in mind, they face Japan, looking to make secure their Round of 16 spot. Therefore, a win, a draw, or a loss could significantly affect the knockout bracket.

• What happens if Brazil win over Japan?

In case Brazil secure a victory over Japan, they will immediately secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16. With this, Carlo Ancelotti’s team could prove the doubters wrong, emerging once again as a top contenders again.

• What happens if Brazil draw to Japan?

If Brazil and Japan draw after 90 minutes, they would have to determine the winner of the tie in extra time. In case there is still no winner, the match would go to a penalty shootout, where the winner would be decided.

• What happens if Brazil lose to Japan?

A defeat for Brazil against Japan would eliminate them immediately from the 2026 World Cup. With this, Carlo Ancelotti’s team would produce their worst performance in recent years. Meanwhile, Hajime Moriyasu’s team would match the performance of their previous two editions.

As expected, Brazil has managed to stifle Japan's offense by pressing high up the field. As a result, they are coming very close to scoring, demonstrating their offensive power.

Japan have decided to bet on the same lineup that took them to the Round of 32. With Takefusa Kubo unavailable, head coach Hajime Moriyasu appears to be placing his hopes on Ritsu Doan and Daizen Maeda in attack. Facing one of the best attacking teams in the tournament, Hiroki Ito, Ko Itakura, and Ayumu Seko will be key figures in the defensive line.

• They will play as follows: Zion Suzuki; Takehiro Tomiyasu, Shogo Taniguchi, Hiroki Ito; Keito Nakamura, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Kaishu Sano; Ritsu Doan, Daizen Maeda; Ayase Ueda.

Despite being one of soccer’s most iconic figures, Santos star Neymar has not been named in the Seleção’s starting XI for the upcoming 2026 World Cup clash against the Samurai Blue. The rationale behind his role on the substitutes’ bench is a strict matter of match fitness management. The 34-year-old is undergoing a highly calculated conditioning program after recovering from a grade two calf muscle injury suffered in mid-May.

Here you can find an expanded version.

As they seek to advance to the Round of 16, Brazil’s Carlo Ancelotti has decided to stick with the same lineup that has made them shine. To that end, Vinicius Jr. will lead the offense, alongside Rayan and Matheus Cunha. Neymar Jr. may have a key role, but from bench. In addition, Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos will anchor the defense, aiming to keep another clean sheet.

• Brazil could lineup as follows: Alisson Becker; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Douglas Santos; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá; Rayan, Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Jr.

Brazil vs Japan is set to start at 1:00pm ET / 10:00am PT

You can watch 2026 World Cup game live on Fubo here.

Welcome to our live blog of the match between Brazil and Japan in the 2026 World Cup at Houston Stadium. Stay with us for all the key information about this clash, and once the game kicks off, for minute-by-minute updates.