Japan’s journey at the FIFA World Cup 2026 came to a heartbreaking end in the Round of 32 on Monday (Tuesday morning, Japan time), as they conceded deep into injury time to lose 2-1 against Brazil.
Former Kashima Antlers midfielder Kaishu Sano had given Japan the lead in the first half, but goals from Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli saw the five-time world champions come from behind and progress to the Round of 16.
Brazil were the first to threaten at Houston Stadium when Matheus Cunha sent a low strike towards goal in the 14th minute, but ex-Urawa Reds goalkeeper Zion Suzuki was on hand to tip it past the post.
Japan then took the lead 15 minutes later, as Sano won possession on the halfway line and surged forwards before firing an effort past the despairing dive of Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker from just outside the area.
Carlo Ancelotti sent his players out with more intent in the second half, and Suzuki was called into action again seven minutes after the restart, making a smart save from Bruno Guimaraes’ header.
There was then an incredible passage of play in the 54th minute, as both Brazil and Japan had chances to score in the space of 20 seconds.
First, a combination of Suzuki and former Avispa Fukuoka player Takehiro Tomiyasu somehow managed to keep out a header by Casemiro, and then after breaking at pace in numbers Japan had an opportunity to double their lead, but Keito Nakamura, formerly of Gamba Osaka, was unable to find a teammate with his cross from the left and Brazil survived the scare.
The Selecao were instead celebrating an equaliser two minutes later, as Gabriel Magalhaes swung in a ball from deep and Casemiro snuck in at the back post to head home.
With the momentum now behind them Brazil almost took the lead in the 58th minute after a mesmerising dribble from Vinicius Junior, but Suzuki was once again equal to the effort and made a sensational stop, tipping the ball onto the post.
It looked as though the game would then be heading for extra time until, as the clock ticked over into the sixth minute of time added on, Bruno Guimaraes found Gabriel Martinelli in half a yard of space inside the penalty area, and he took a touch before stroking into the bottom corner of the net.
That blow means the Samurai Blue’s search for a first knockout stage win at the World Cup continues, but they can be proud of another impressive showing that saw them progress from the group stage at the global showpiece for the third consecutive tournament.
