Brazil completed a remarkable World Cup comeback after Gabriel Martinelli's stoppage-time strike buried Japan in their gripping last-32 clash.
After a thrilling start from the Samurai Blue, which saw Kaishu Sano break the deadlock and stun the Selecao, Carlo Ancelotti's team changed the game.
Vinicius Jr turned it on and Casemiro headed the five-time champions level.
But as Brazil bombarded the Japanese box with crosses, a delightful pass from Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes found Arsenal's Martinelli, whose neat finish found its way just inside the far right post with five minutes of six added on expired.
Re-live all the action from this blockbuster last-32 World Cup tie below:
Brazil vs Japan live updates
- Brazil fight from behind to beat Japan in final minutes of round-of-32 game
- 90+6' GOAL! Martinelli breaks Japan hearts with last-gasp winner [BRA 2-1 JPN]
- 58' POST! Vini Jr hits woodwork with outside of foot after crucial touch by keeper
- 56' GOAL! This time Casemiro's header meets the back of the net [BRA 1-1 JPN]
- 53' GOAL-LINE CLEARANCE! Casemiro's close-range header denied by Tomiyasu
- 29' GOAL! Sano finds bottom corner after wonderful run and strike [BRA 0-1 JPN]
Casemiro hails patience
22:30 , Alan Smith
"I think it was about our calm and our patience and pressuring a team that was playing a very low block. We believed the time would come, our confidence and our pressure were key for this match,” the player of the match says.
"I feel many emotions right now. When you score a goal you ask God to light you at that moment. It's really a lot of emotions at the same time. You have to really value the entire group. Martinelli with the winning goal. That's the path to win the World Cup, you have to value the group."
Martinelli reacts to his winner
22:00 , Alan Smith
"It represents so much,” the Arsenal star says. “My whole family watching, my friends at home, our people celebrating. I'm so elated and really proud and it gives us confidence to move forward. We have to keep our feet firmly on the ground and good things can happen.
“I don't have words to describe the happiness in heart. Seeing all the Brazilian fans, my mum, my dad in the stands ... I think the penny will only drop in the days ahead.”
Good omen for Brazil
21:30 , Alan Smith
Brazil have won after trailing at half-time in the World Cup for the first time since 2002, when they defeated Turkey.
And how did that tournament finish? With the Selecao as champions.
Martinelli's late history
21:15 , Alan Smith
95:00 - Gabriel Martinelli’s winner for Brazil (95:00) is the latest winning goal in normal time of the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup on record (since 1966).
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 29, 2026
Timely. pic.twitter.com/IbyBUnPDvS
Tradition despite crushing defeat
21:00 , Alan Smith
Heartbroken they may be but the bin bags were out not long after full-time in Houston as Japan head home.
Up next for Brazil
20:45 , Alan Smith
It will be Ivory Coast or Norway in the last-16.
That match will take place in New Jersey at 9pm BST on Sunday.
Martinelli: born for the USA?
20:28 , Alan Smith
The winner was Gabriel Martinelli's fifth international goal and, according to Fifa, the third he has scored in the United States.
Casemiro's gong
20:19 , Alan Smith
Casemiro has been given the official player of the match award.
Which is an interesting choice.
How Brazil were pegged back
20:16 , Alan Smith
It has been a struggle for Japan to get out of their own half in the second period. pic.twitter.com/2iXHFAD2Zf
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 29, 2026
Casemiro joins list of impressive veterans
20:10 , Alan Smith
Casemiro is the second-oldest goalscorer for Brazil in World Cup history. pic.twitter.com/3bvQESDPcF
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 29, 2026
Selecao build momentum
20:08 , Alan Smith
We saw the best of Brazil after 45 minutes of the worst.
They were ragged in the first half and Casemiro delivered one of the worst halves seen at the tournament. But then he scored the equaliser and Ancelotti’s changes were decisive - their subs were fantastic, their drive once level impeccable.
And, whisper it, despite such obvious flaws there is now the sense of momentum building.
Blue Samurai depart
20:06 , Alan Smith
No idea why but we’re just being shown some performative nonsense from a Japan fan in the crowd. He handed his phone to someone else to film him before deciding to do a scream while surrounded by Brazil supporters.
Meanwhile, the Japan players are more genuinely upset on the pitch. They are gutted having looked so good for 45 minutes before the pressure eventually told. Talk of winning the World Cup in 2050 may be tempered a little more by the realisation that they are yet to win a knockout tie on the global stage.
Full-time! Brazil 2-1 Japan
20:03 , Alan Smith
101’ - Sugawara flings a long throw forward from the right. It’s cleared. And that’s the whistle. What a turnaround from the Selecao, who are into the last-16 and will face Ivory Coast or Norway next
Brazil 2-1 Japan
20:01 , Alan Smith
99’ - We’re playing on but Japan look finished. Their wait for a World Cup knockout win will go on for four more years.
Brazil 2-1 Japan
19:59 , Alan Smith
98’ - Subs for both.
The other Danilo, Santos, replaces the outstanding Bruno.
Ogawa replaces Maeda for Japan.
Brazil 2-1 Japan
19:59 , Alan Smith
97’ - It’s a simple goal, really, but clinical from the substitute and brilliant from Bruno who chooses to feed Martinelli at an 11 o’clock angle instead of shooting himself. The Arsenal player turns and controls before sending his strike towards the bottom right corner. Suzuki gets a touch but it goes in off the post.
GOAL! Brazil 2-1 Japan (Martinelli, 96)
19:57 , Alan Smith
And it looks like they have done it at the death. It’s heartbreak for Japan!
Brazil 1-1 Japan
19:55 , Alan Smith
94’ - Fabinho’s first act is direct a tricky attempt off target.
Brazil 1-1 Japan
19:54 , Alan Smith
93’ - The match restarts after 135 seconds with Fabinho on. There will be added time on the end of this added time.
Brazil 1-1 Japan
19:52 , Alan Smith
90’ - We’ll have six added minutes.
Casemiro is down and looks to be signalling that his time is up. Fabinho is getting ready.
Brazil 1-1 Japan
19:51 , Alan Smith
88’ - Suzuki shoves Rayan to the ground down Brazil’s right. It will be another opportunity for the big man to make their way up. Japan cannot properly clear and from the next phase Vinicius Jr has a shot deflected for a corner.
Brazil’s pressure is relentless.
Brazil 1-1 Japan
19:48 , Alan Smith
85’ - Suzuki lunges in on Danilo just outside the box. He is booked but of even greater concern Brazil have another chance to do more aerial damage. It’s fizzed in by Rayan and deflected for a corner that is cleared.
Brazil then go back on the attack but Bruno’s delivery from the inside left channel is overhit for a goal kick.
Brazil 1-1 Japan
19:45 , Alan Smith
83’ - Martinelli overhits a cross. It’s getting very, very cagey.
Brazil 1-1 Japan
19:43 , Alan Smith
81’ - Japan have every player parked back and they are looking a little leggy. Brazil are passing it around but unable to find much space.
Brazil 1-1 Japan
19:41 , Alan Smith
79’ - 68,777 fans are in Houston to watch this one. They may well be treated to an additional 30 minutes and more of action looking at how this one is developing.
Brazil 1-1 Japan
19:40 , Alan Smith
78’ - Two more Japan changes. Machino and Tanako are on for Junyi Ito and Kamada.
Brazil 1-1 Japan
19:39 , Alan Smith
76’ - Brazil are dominating possession but Japan’s shape appears more resilient since the restart; there are fewer gaps for Brazil to find and they are now resorting to overly ambitious attempts from range, Martinelli sending a loose half-volley well wide.
Brazil 1-1 Japan
19:35 , Alan Smith
72’ - Back underway and Endrick finds Vinicius Jr with a lovely pass. He wants a give and go to create an angle to shoot but cannot find one so Brazil recycle possession. The move ends with Gabriel sending in another deep cross. Rayan meets this one and it’s deflected out for a corner, via Suzuki.
Brazil 1-1 Japan
19:29 , Alan Smith
68’ - Hydration break. There are no boos - odd.
Brazil 1-1 Japan
19:28 , Alan Smith
66’ - Cunha is off, Martinelli is on for Brazil.
Sugawara and Suzuki are in, wing backs Nakamura and Doan are out for Japan.
Brazil 1-1 Japan
19:26 , Alan Smith
64’ - Nakamura has a pop from an improbable angle on the left corner of the box. It is deflected via Casemiro into Alisson’s arms.
Both sides are set to make changes.
Brazil 1-1 Japan
19:24 , Alan Smith
62’ - Japan get on the ball a little, seeking to stall the Selecao’s momentum and settle their own nerves.
Eventually Maeda tries to get on the end of a long ball over the top but Alisson is alert enough to come out and intercept.
Brazil 1-1 Japan
19:21 , Alan Smith
59’ Vini Jr is denied a majestic solo goal by the post after an utterly brilliant dribble forward. He nutmegs Tomiyasu, he shifts into the box, he shimmies around three more Japanese players and then shoots towards the bottom right corner. It takes the slightest of touches off the tip of Suzuki’s glove and comes back off the upright.
This is now an utterly brilliant match.
Brazil 1-1 Japan
19:19 , Alan Smith
58’ - Now how do Japan respond? They appear to be shirking.
GOAL! Brazil 1-1 Japan (Casemiro 56)
19:18 , Alan Smith
Of course it’s Casemiro. Having stunk the place out in the first half he rises at the back stick to head home from Gabriel’s floated diagonal pass from about six yards.
Brazil 0-1 Japan
19:17 , Alan Smith
54’ - Brazil think they have scored but it does not cross the line! Casemiro’s header is blocked by Tomiyasu on the line. It then comes off Suzuki and takes another deflection before they can eventually clear. Brazil are beginning to purr, Japan are still quite far away from the hydration break to stall this momentum.
Brazil 0-1 Japan
19:14 , Alan Smith
52’ - Good save Suzuki! Danilo sends a decent cross in for Bruno to meet. The header is on target but a little too central and that allows Japan’s goalkeeper to parry away.
Bruno remains Brazil’s only standout so far but they are beginning to raise a level.
Brazil 0-1 Japan
19:10 , Alan Smith
48’ - Maeda races forward, spotting an opportunity to counter, and Danilo brings him down just inside Brazil’s half. That will be another yellow card -the game’s fourth.
Restarted! Brazil 0-1 Japan
19:07 , Alan Smith
46’ - Japan gets us going again.
Brazil have brought on Endrick for Paqueta at the break. Casemiro is still on the pitch.
'Hardest bit to come' - Keane
19:06 , Alan Smith
“The hardest bit is yet to come,” Roy Keane warns on ITV while hailing Japan’s “excellent” performance so far.
Ange Postecoglou says Brazil must be “calm” and “not get frustrated” but he would be surprised if there are not any changes.
Former Brazil midfielder 'really worried' by performance
19:01 , Alan Smith
Lucas Leiva is concerned at the break.
“Brazil had control of the ball and they played most of the half in Japan's half, but they didn't create as many chances,” he says on BBC radio.
“We were talking about playing wide and we know we don't have a target man with Matheus Cunha.
“They will have to change something. It looks like Japan will not let anything through the middle. I am really worried. Brazil have to change the way they're playing, otherwise they will not create chances to equalise.”
Half-time! Brazil 0-1 Japan
18:49 , Alan Smith
And Japan have been fully deserving of their lead against a Brazil team that appear shambolic out of possession.
Brazil 0-1 Japan
18:48 , Alan Smith
48’ - This is the first time that Brazil are losing a World Cup knockout match to a nation not from Europe or South America.
Brazil 0-1 Japan
18:47 , Alan Smith
45’ - There will be four minutes added on. Japan are enjoying a pretty decent spell as we near the break, earning a greater share of the ball with Brazil’s idea of pressing notably slack comparedd to their opponents.
Brazil 0-1 Japan
18:45 , Alan Smith
45’ - Kamada commits a professional foul on Bruno, checking him as Brazil see a rare chance to break and accepting the yellow card. That happened after Ito shimmied in from the right flank and had a shot blocked.
Brazil 0-1 Japan
18:43 , Alan Smith
43’ - Now Casemiro runs into Cunha, having also collided with Paqueta earlier. This is a stinker from the midfielder so far.
Brazil 0-1 Japan
18:41 , Alan Smith
40’ - Casemiro gives the ball away cheaply and Maeda races forward before eventually running out of space.
Casemiro’s performance so far is very much like the first half against Morocco. And he was hooked at the interval of that one for Fabinho. Could we see him hauled off at the break of this one too?
Brazil 0-1 Japan
18:39 , Alan Smith
38’ - Japan resume their low block, in a 5-3-2 for now, content to let the ball in front of them. Brazil have been unable to find Rayan or Vinicius in space thanks to Japan’s set up. Paqueta and Cunha have a little go at each other because of a perceived lack of movement from the latter when the former is on the ball.
Brazil 0-1 Japan
18:35 , Alan Smith
35’ - Brazil’s midfield folly is summed up by Casemiro and Paqueta running into each other with both going for the same ball.
Although a few seconds later the latter has a tame enough shot blocked.
Brazil 0-1 Japan
18:34 , Alan Smith
34’ - Vinicius, quiet with the exception of complaints to the referee, shifts in from the left and has a go from about 25 yards. It’s straight at Suzuki.
Brazil 0-1 Japan
18:33 , Alan Smith
33’ - Marquinhos meets a Paqueta free kick from the left but sends his header well wide.
Brazil 0-1 Japan
18:32 , Alan Smith
30’ - The key to Japan succeeding here was going to be winning the midfield battle. Bruno has been excellent for Brazil but Casemiro and Paqueta have struggled - the former Manchester United player in particular - and their lack of pace in the centre was their undoing for the goal as much as Danilo’s mistake to gift possession away.
GOAL! Brazil 0-1 Japan (Sano, 29)
18:30 , Alan Smith
And Sano, who had never scored for Japan before this, makes the break through. Danilo gives the ball away with a dire pass infield. Sano then speeds past a sluggish Casemiro before drilling a low shot into Alisson’s bottom left corner!
Brazil 0-0 Japan
18:27 , Alan Smith
26’ - Back underway and Japan win a corner on the right. Ito finds Ueda, who outjumps Paqueta, but he powers a header well over.
Brazil 0-0 Japan
18:24 , Alan Smith
23’ - No issues in recognising the celebs being shown at regular intervals here - Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo have all appeared on screen. Along with the Fifa president, of course, whose hydration break brainwave is about to be heartily booed in a closed stadium.
Brazil 0-0 Japan
18:24 , Alan Smith
22’ - Sano takes down Cunha near the endline and a goal kick is given. Replays show the Japan player, who has already been booked, is lucky not to have got himself in more trouble because there was clear contact.
Brazil 0-0 Japan
18:20 , Alan Smith
20’ - Vini Jr gets past Tomiyasu and hangs up a cross from the left that is headed away.
Brazil 0-0 Japan
18:19 , Alan Smith
19’ - Brazil are back on the ball, Japan have returned to a low block.
We’re not far from filing this one under tactically intriguing.
Brazil 0-0 Japan
18:16 , Alan Smith
16’ - Kamada takes it and the ball is deflected for a corner. Junya Ito’s inswinger is then headed away by Casemiro at the front stick. A good spell for Japan this.
Brazil 0-0 Japan
18:15 , Alan Smith
15’ - Casemiro is booked for a silly challenge on Junya Ito about 20 yards from Alisson’s goal, sliding in and chopping down the Japan forward. Three players are standing over it while the wall forms.
Brazil 0-0 Japan
18:14 , Alan Smith
14’ - Cunha tries his luck from the edge of the box and brings a save from Suzuki, conceding a corner even if it looked like the shot was going wide. It is worked short and quick, ending with Bruno firing wide.
Brazil 0-0 Japan
18:13 , Alan Smith
12’ - Sano is whistled for a second foul on Vinicius, who is demanding a yellow card with his right hand, never a nice thing to see from a player.
Although the replays show that Sano does land on the Brazil star’s ankle and the Italian referee does brandish a booking.
Brazil 0-0 Japan
18:10 , Alan Smith
10’ - Brazil are touching 80% possession so far. But Japan are so well-drilled that they are not leaving any gaps to exploit.
For all the expectation of excitement, we may be about to see a tense enough encounter unless there is a goal soon.
Bruno takes a shot from range that clatters Paqueta in the face, sending his team-mate to the floor momentarily. The earlier hamstring twinge seems to be fine.
Brazil 0-0 Japan
18:07 , Alan Smith
7’ - Sano wins the ball fairly from Vini Jr but the referee gives Brazil a soft free kick on the left wing, about 40 yards out. It’s sent deep but Suzuki is quickly off the line again to claim it. He fumbles it at first but then gathers.
Brazil 0-0 Japan
18:05 , Alan Smith
5’ - Brazil have started well, Japan sitting back in a compact 5-4-1.
Vini tries to get on the end of a long pass but Suzuki races off his line to punch away before the Real Madrid star can get to it.
The atmosphere sounds electric over the TV feed.
Brazil 0-0 Japan
18:02 , Alan Smith
2’ - Bruno wins a corner with a side-footed attempt on goal that deflects off Taniguchi.
The Newcastle man takes it and it is headed away at the front post.
Brazil 0-0 Japan
18:02 , Alan Smith
1’ - One minute in and Paqueta is cluthching his right hamstring having backed into Tomiyasu. He continues for now but looks uncomfortable.
Kick-off! Brazil 0-0 Japan
18:00 , Alan Smith
1’ - We’re underway in Houston.
Brazil are in yellow, blue shorts and white socks - their classic outfit - and play from left to right as we watch.
Japan will play in white pinstriped tops, black shorts and socks.
Anthems time
17:56 , Alan Smith
Both squads are gathered around the centre circle, the nerves are jangling and it’s almost time to go.
Vini: Sixth star a long time coming
17:46 , Alan Smith
The Brazil star, who has hit new heights for the Selecao in the group stages, told TV programme Domingao com Huck: “This is a generation that’s working hard to take Brazil back to the top. That sixth star is taking time to come. We’ve learned a lot over the past few years.
“Many of the players were part of the last Copa América. [Brazil head coach Carlo] Ancelotti has given us freedom, calm, and hope that we can get back to the summit.
“Having Neymar, Casemiro, Alex Sandro, Danilo, and Marquinhos - players with so much experience - gives us the space for the younger guys to express ourselves. I’m only 25, but we’ve got a very strong group coming through with Endrick and Rayan…”
Yay or Ney?
17:38 , Alan Smith
Neymar’s exact shape remains unclear - he certainly didn’t look his sharpest when coming on when the results was assured against Scotland - and you wonder what state tonight’s game must be in for him to be brought on.
Either Brazil are comfortably ahead or in desperate need - should it be close he will probably remain in his seat.
Japan eye history and progress
17:36 , Alan Smith
For all the talk of Japan, along with Morocco, being the best placed team to break the rule of Europe and South America, this is a good time to remember that they have never won a knockout match at the World Cup.
This, then, feels vital to the longer-term plans, solidifying the progress they have evidently made in recent years.
Ancelotti's sticks with formula, Japan ring changes
17:31 , Alan Smith
Brazil are unchanged from the team that hammered Scotland in Miami, while Japan have made four changes from the drab draw against Sweden
Defenders Shogo Taniguchi and Takehiro Tomiyasu, midfielder Kaishu Sano and winger Junya Ito are back in the XI.
Excitement builds in Houston
17:17 , Alan Smith
The fans are filing into what is normally known as NRG Stadium.
How ‘brand Brazil’ lost its shine as World Cup’s defining team
17:10 , Alan Smith
Bring the adverts up on YouTube now and what will strike first is how dated it looks. The production, the concept: it all belongs to a bygone era. From the airport to the dressing room, the Three Rs are very much not in 4k.
For fans of a specific age, Brazil and Nike’s series of promos still stir up reminders of a golden era, supported by the idea - so eloquently expressed in a piece by the author Paul Howard last week - of everyone’s favourite World Cup being the one closest to when they are 10 years old.
For the Selecao, however, that last globally successful period of joga bonito is a peak that feels more and more difficult to reascend with each passing tournament.
How ‘brand Brazil’ lost its shine as World Cup’s defining team
What Japan’s blueprint to win the World Cup by 2050 tells us about football’s future
17:02 , Alan Smith
Japan believe they have cracked the code to becoming a football superpower and it has everything to do with joy. Four years ago the JFA released a manifesto outlining exactly how they plan to win the World Cup by 2050. As hosts, no less.
The strategy is filled with the familiar ingredients of pyramid graphics and bullet points, mentions of synergy and talent identification, but the headline that sets The Japan Way apart arrives on the first page.
“To become the happiest country in the world through football.”
What Japan’s blueprint to win the World Cup by 2050 tells us about football’s future
A supercomputer predicts
16:55 , Alan Smith
69% - Brazil have a 69% chance of beating Japan according to the Opta predictor, but have lost four of their last six World Cup knockout stage matches.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 29, 2026
For more insights like these, check out our video below.
Samba. pic.twitter.com/sT8Opx40Y5
Confirmed Japan XI
16:45 , Alan Smith
Suzuki; Tomiyasu, Taniguchi, H Ito; Doan, Sano, Kamada, Nakamura; J Ito, Maeda; Ueda.
Confirmed Brazil XI
16:42 , Alan Smith
Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Casemiro, Bruno, Paqueta; Rayan, Cunha, Vinicius Jr.
BRASIL DEFINIDO! 🇧🇷
— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) June 29, 2026
Confira os 11 nomes escalados pelo Mister para enfrentar o Japão nesta segunda-feira (29), às 14h (Brasília), pela segunda fase da Copa do Mundo FIFA 2026.
📺 TV Globo / GE TV / SPORTV / Cazé TV / SBT / NSports
🏟️ Estádio de Houston#BateNoPeito
ISSO É… pic.twitter.com/xgek5ORDKK
Tonight's referee
16:40 , Alan Smith
... is Maurizio Mariani from Italy, who will be assisted by Daniele Bindoni and Alberto Tegoni.
In his first World Cup, Mariani has already taken charge of the 1-1 draw between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay and Colombia's 1-0 victory against DR Congo.
Brazil's new striker hero
16:30 , Will Castle
All of the big hitters have turned up in this World Cup so far, with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior all among the goals.
But the latter’s teammate Matheus Cunha has also been in excellent form so far, too, with three goals from his opening three appearances.
He also enjoyed an impressive first season at Old Trafford, after joining Manchester United from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer for £62.5m. He scored 10 goals and assisted in two more as United finished third in the Premier League table.
He has only scored four goals in his 26 Brazil appearances, and three of them have come in the US, where he thrives in this forward line.
Japan's recent joy against Brazil
16:15 , Will Castle
Japan have only beaten tonight’s opponents once in 14 attempts, but that came the last time they met in October 2025.
They were trailing 2-0 at half-time in Tokyo thanks to goals from Paulo Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli. Takumi Minamino, Keito Nakamura and Ayase Ueda were all on target in the second half to give their side their first-ever victory over the Selecao.
Whether that will count for anything at the Houston Stadium remains to be seen, after all, this one has so much more riding on it.
World Cup power rankings
16:00 , Will Castle
The 2026 World Cup has stormed into the knockout stages after this year’s bumper 48-team tournament had its first culling.
Brazil and Japan are very much still alive, for now - where do they rank in our power rankings going into tonight’s shoot-out?
World Cup 2026 power rankings: Argentina and France lead charge heading to knockouts
Brazil's injury cycle
15:45 , Will Castle
After missing Brazil’s first two World Cup matches with a calf problem, Neymar seems to have won his race against time to be fit after making an appearance off the bench against Scotland. He now could play a greater role against Japan.
But just as the 34-year-old superstar comes back into the fold, Brazil have lost one of their starting wingers.
Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury during Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti and missed their group finale against Scotland.
The Barcelona star has undergone treatment on a hamstring injury with the hope of him returning to the World Cup, but he will miss today’s clash with Japan.
Raphinha is set to go through an intensive treatment protocol with the aim of resuming normal activities in a short period of time.
Yesterday: Canada snatch last-gasp World Cup winner to break South Africa hearts in tepid knockout start
15:30 , Kieran Jackson at Los Angeles Stadium
Co-hosts Canada were the first team to progress to the last 16 as Stephen Eustaquio came with a last-gap winner against South Africa - Kieran Jackson reports from Los Angeles:
When Canada’s concluding moment does eventually arrive this summer, Stephen Eustaquio would be forgiven for not wanting to leave the bright sunshine of California. The Canadian midfielder, contracted to Porto, joined Los Angeles FC in February on a four-month loan deal, desperately hunting minutes on the pitch ahead of the World Cup. A much-admired member of the squad, Eustaquio tragically lost his mother to brain cancer in April 2023 and his father to a heart attack one year later. Now, the 29-year-old is the match-winner in his new home away from home, sending his country through to the last-16 with a dramatic stoppage-time strike.
It should be noted: this was not a classic, thrilling start to the knockout phase. A match between two group-stage runner-ups – in groups naturally weaker due to host nation participation – failed to fire for the vast majority, under this 70,000-seater greenhouse. To a wider point, what does that say for the World Cup’s knockout expansion? Perhaps it’s too early to judge, but this was certainly two teams who were afraid to lose the contest, rather than setting out to win. Food for thought, maybe, for Fifa president Gianni Infantino, an unsurprising spectator in the VIP area.
Yet the long-awaited introduction of Canada captain Alphonso Davies – a world-class performer on his day – made the difference here with 15 minutes to go. Suddenly, Jesse Marsch’s side had more verve, more speed, more desire to be on the front foot. The gamble, given Davies’ precarious hamstring, paid off.
Canada snatch last-gasp World Cup winner to break South Africa hearts
Group stage results
15:25 , Will Castle
Brazil:
1-1 vs Morocco
3-0 vs Haiti
3-0 vs Scotland
Japan:
2-2 vs Netherlands
4-0 vs Tunisia
1-1 vs Sweden
Predicted line-ups
15:20 , Will Castle
Brazil: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Rayan, Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Paqueta; Cunha, Vinicius Jr.
Japan: Z Suzuki; Seko, Taniguchi, H Ito; Sugawara, Tanaka, Kamada, Nakamura; Doan, Maeda; Ueda.
Early team news - will Neymar start?
15:15 , Will Castle
The main team news revolves around Brazil’s attack.
Raphinha is still out with a hamstring and will miss the game.
Neymar appeared as a substitute in the win over Scotland and could be involved, but Rayan is more likely to start the game.
Who will the winner face?
15:10 , Will Castle
Either the Ivory Coast or Norway will await in the round of 16. They meet on Tuesday in Dallas.
That match will be on 5 July in East Rutherford.
Could we be getting an Erling Haaland vs Vinicius Jr showdown?
Is Brazil vs Japan on TV?
15:05 , Will Castle
The match takes place today, Monday 29 June, in Houston at midday local time, which is a start time of 6pm BST in the UK.
How to watch
Brazil v Japan will be broadcast live on ITV1 in the UK and can be streamed for free on ITVX.
Brazil vs Japan LIVE
15:00 , Will Castle
Brazil ramp up their push for a sixth star as they begin their World Cup knockouts campaign against dark horses Japan.
After an underwhelming start in a 1-1 draw with Morocco, Carlo Ancelotti’s side seem to have found their groove in North America after storming to successive 3-0 wins against Haiti and Scotland to top Group C.
But they have by no means been handed a lay-up in the round of 32, with Japan yet to be beaten at these finals - and the Selecao will have bad memories of tonight’s opposition.
Japan actually got the better of Brazil in a friendly last October, coming from two goals down to stun the five-time World Cup winners 3-2 - might a repeat be in store?
Good afternoon
13:20 , Will Castle
Hello there and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Brazil’s round of 32 clash with Japan at the 2026 World Cup.
We’ll bring you all the latest team news, build-up and minute-by-minute updates from the clash in Houston.
