Brazil avoided a premature elimination in the 2026 World Cup with an agonizing comeback against Japan and secured its presence in the round of 16 after winning 2-1 in Houston, in a match that left more doubts than certainties for the team led by Carlo Ancelotti.

Qualification only came in added time and after an irregular performance that forced the Canarinha to react when it already seemed headed for extra time. The decisive goal was the work of Gabriel Martinelli in the 96th minute, on a night marked by Brazilian suffering and by a Japanese team that was close to achieving one of the most important results in its history.

With this result, Brazil advanced to the round and awaits a rival between Norway and Ivory Coast.

From the start of the match, the context was of maximum tension. Japan arrived undefeated after drawing with the Netherlands and Sweden and beating Tunisia with authority, while Brazil assumed control of the ball without finding depth or speed to transform that dominance into clear chances.

For much of the first half, the South American team moved the ball without causing any real damage. Just a distant shot by Matheus Cunha demanded goalkeeper Suzuki, who responded by sending the ball to the corner.

The Asian team maintained defensive order, waited for errors and found the exact moment to strike. At 29 minutes, a loss by Danilo on the way out opened the ideal scenario for Kaishu Sano, who recovered in the rival field, advanced to the front and defined with a low shot that was impossible for Alisson.

The 1-0 score completely changed the development of the match. Brazil lost confidence, slowed the pace further and allowed Japan to manage long stretches of possession.

The reaction came from the bench and ended in the last breath

Ancelotti modified pieces during the break and decided to bring on Endrick for Lucas Paquetá to look for a more aggressive response.

Brazil advanced lines, increased the volume of centers and began to settle near the Japanese area. Before the tie, Suzuki intervened again against Bruno Guimarães and Tomiyasu avoided a goal by clearing over the line.

Equality came in the 55th minute. Gabriel sent a cross to the far post and Casemiro appeared to connect with a header and get the Brazilian team back into the game.

With the score tied, Brazil had its best minutes. Vinicius starred in an individual action that ended with a shot against the post after another intervention by the Japanese goalkeeper.

Later, Ancelotti made another important decision: he chose Martinelli over Neymar, who remained on the bench for ninety minutes.

In the sixth minute of added time, Bruno Guimarães found space to assist Martinelli inside the area. The winger defined, Suzuki managed to touch the ball and the shot ended up going in after hitting the post.

The difference was minimal. Enough to keep Brazil alive and also enough to leave Japan out of the tournament after having been very close to completing one of the great surprises of the World Cup.