Substitute Gabriel Martinelli has scored an added-time winner as Brazil snatched a place in the last 16 of the World Cup with a 2-1 win over Japan in Houston. Carlo Ancelotti's side were stunned when Japan took the lead with a superb strike from Kaishu Sano after 29 minutes,

Brazil came from behind to beat a brave and well-organised Japan side 2-1 in Houston, sealing their place in the World Cup Round of 16. Gabriel Martinelli struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner after Casemiro had earlier cancelled out Kaishu Sano's first-half opener.

Brazil begin the knockout phase of their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a challenging Round of 32 clash against Japan in Houston on Monday. The five-time champions topped Group C after recovering from an opening draw against Morocco with commanding victories over Haiti and Scotland.

Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live and follow live text coverage as Brazil face Japan in the last 32 of the World Cup.

Gabriel Martinelli, the scorer of just one Premier League goal last season, is not considered one of the great stars of the Brazilian attack. Compared with more renowned and luminous team-mates such as Vinicius Junior,

Gabriel Martinelli’s 95th-minute winner completes Brazil’s late comeback over Japan, sending them into the World Cup last 16.