Brazil 2, Japan 1: Gabriel Martinelli scores 96th minute winner for Brazil to knock Japan out of World Cup

The lead

June 29, 2026 — NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas, USA — Gabriel Martinelli scores 96th minute winner for Brazil to knock Japan out of World Cup. Gabriel Martinelli scored late injury time to give Brazil a 2-1 win over Japan in the round of 32 at the World Cup on Monday.

How the match unfolded

This Round of 32 match finished 2-1 for Brazil over Japan in regulation on the official ESPN match center. Brazil seized early momentum when Kaishu Sano (Japan) right footed shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner following a fast break. in the 29'. The middle phases featured 1 more goal as both sides traded blows in a tense knockout atmosphere. The final swing came in the 90'+5' when Gabriel Martinelli (Brazil) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Bruno Guimarães.. 68,777 fans were in the building at NRG Stadium.

Key passages from the live ESPN commentary feed:

Goal-by-goal

Cards, fouls, and controversy

Gabriel Martinelli scored late injury time to give Brazil a 2-1 win over Japan in the round of 32 at the World Cup on Monday.

Bookings: 5 yellow cards were issued per the official match log.

What it means in the tournament

Brazil leave NRG Stadium with a result that moves them forward in the 48-team bracket. Surviving the Round of 32 keeps Brazil alive for Round of 16 action in early July. Japan head home.

What comes next

Brazil advance to the Round of 16 while the bracket continues across North American host cities through July 7.

*Sources: ESPN match center, ESPN match feed, FIFA World Cup 2026. AthX covers MLB trading; this recap is for World Cup fans following the North America tournament. Information only; not financial advice.*