Carlo Ancelotti’s Selecao progressed to the last 16 of the competition with a 2-1 victory thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s brutal 96th-minute winner.
Brazil were stunned when Japan took the lead with a superb strike from Kaishu Sano after 29 minutes, but Casemiro atoned with a fine header.
The game appeared to be heading towards extra time, but substitute Martinelli capped the fightback after being played in by Bruno Guimaraes.
It was an initial mistake from Ao Tanaka, who lost possession to Rayan on the edge of the area with just seconds left on the clock to survive.
Brazil steal it right at the death 🇧🇷
Gabriel Martinelli surely wins for his country in the 96th minute… pic.twitter.com/Ptly6foaIL
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 29, 2026
And after both Takehiro Tomiyasu and Sugawara failed to pick up Martinelli in the space between them, the winger slotted home the decider.
It was harsh on an obstinate Japan, who were chasing their first World Cup knockout win, but Brazil finished strongly after a lethargic first-half display.
Japan were measured, sitting deep and allowing Brazil to control possession early on – but the South Americans found it difficult to create openings.
Sugawara, who turned 26 this week, could return to Saints for pre-season, after he spent last season on loan at Bundesliga side Werder Bremen.
The Germans are reportedly not set on a permanent deal, although reports from Bild have insisted that Sugawara is still likely to leave this summer.