Brazil rally past Japan to reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16

Japan stunned the five-time world champions by taking the lead in the 29th minute at Houston Stadium

HOUSTON: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-June 30th, 2026) Brazil came from behind to defeat Japan 2-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash on Monday, securing a place in the Round of 16 after a dramatic second-half comeback.

Japan stunned the five-time world champions by taking the lead in the 29th minute at Houston Stadium. Sano found the back of the net to give the Asian side a 1-0 advantage, and Japan held onto the lead until the halftime break.

Brazil responded strongly after the interval and dominated the second half. Casemiro scored the equaliser to bring his side back into the contest before Gabriel Martinelli netted the winning goal just a minute before full time, completing a memorable comeback for the South American giants.

The 2-1 victory sends Brazil into the Round of 16, where they will continue their quest for a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup title.

Elsewhere in the tournament, Germany were scheduled to face Paraguay later in the day, while the Netherlands were set to take on Morocco in another Round of 32 encounter.

Earlier, co-hosts Canada booked their place in the Round of 16 for the first time in their history after edging South Africa 1-0. The victory marked Canada's maiden qualification for the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup, adding another historic chapter to the tournament.