The second knockout-stage game of the 2026 World Cup is an intriguing on as Brazil take on Japan in Houston. The Selecao have, as ever, been tipped to go deep into the competition, but in the Samurai Blue could face a tournament banana skin. Brazil have recovered from a 1-1 draw with Morocco to hand out 3-0 beatings of Haiti and Scotland, but this is another stern test on par with their opener.
Japan held Netherlands to a 2-2 draw in their opener before thrashing sorry Tunisia 4-0. A 1-1 draw with Sweden was their sternest test yet, and had to thanks goalkeeper Zion Suzuki for making a string of key saves. Japan will line up defensively, but have the ability to hurt Brazil.
When these two teams met in October, Japan ran out 3-2 winners. Brazil were missing some of their key man back in the Autumn, but the result was still rightly lauded. A second-place finish in Group F has sent up a rematch, and this is no foregone conclusion. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis.
Brazil vs Japan latest news
Live updates
Brazil will play Ivory Coast or Norway on Sunday in the last-16 stage.
Full-time!
101min: That’s it! Brazil are through!
Brazil 2-1 Japan
99min: We’re long past the added time now. Any left for Japan?
Brazil 2-1 Japan
96min: Martinelli found in too much space in the penalty area, and a quick touch to control and another to poke it past Suzuki in goal to score in off the post.
GOALLLLLLLLLLLLL!
96min: Martinelli wins it in the final minute!
Brazil 1-1 Japan
94min: Fabinho heads well over.
Brazil 1-1 Japan
93min: Endrick wins another corner.
Brazil 1-1 Japan
92min: Fabinho is on in the second of six added minutes.
Brazil 1-1 Japan
91min: Japan launch an attack, but they look exhausted as they throw two quite aimless crosses into the box.
Casemiro is down and needs treatment. Looks like Fabinho will be required.
Brazil 1-1 Japan
90min: Corner is cleared by Brazil are straight back on the attack.