FIFA World Cup 2026:

Brazil’s qualification for the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 is the defining theme, driven by Gabriel Martinelli’s decisive late strike in a 2-1 win over Japan. The match took place on Monday (local time) in front of a packed stadium as Japan took the lead after Kaishu Sano intercepted a loose ball and scored with a fierce effort past Alisson. Brazil responded in the second half when Gabriel Magalhaes set up Casemiro to level with a header. With extra time seemingly ahead, Danilo’s recovery led to Endrick and then Bruno Guimaraes, whose pass found an unmarked Martinelli for a composed finish in the 95th minute. Brazil will play either the Ivory Coast or Norway on July 5 at New York New Jersey Stadium. The teams had met only once previously in World Cup history, with Brazil holding a strong head-to-head record.