​Bruno Guimaraes starred as Brazil edged past Japan in Houston, a result that secures a place in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The match swung back and forth, with Japan looking dangerous on the break in a tightly contested first half. On 29 minutes, Danilo coughed up possession and Casemiro, struggling for pace, was outmuscled by Sano, whose superb finish from the edge of the box gave Japan the lead and left Brazil stunned at the break. Many expected Carlo Ancelotti to hook Casemiro, but the veteran stayed on the pitch. Endrick came on for Paqueta, who had picked up an injury just before half-time, while Bruno Guimaraes continued to be Brazil’s brightest spark in the opener.
Guimaraes carried his good form into the second half, his relentless running helping to compensate for Casemiro’s lack of mobility. Ancelotti kept Casemiro on the field, and his persistence paid off when he volleyed home from a Gabriel cross on 56 minutes, leveling the score after a previous denied header from close range. Suzuki in goal for Japan was outstanding, repeatedly denying Brazil as they piled on the pressure, with Vinicius Jr creating opportunities, including a sublime run that ended with a shot off the post after Suzuki diverted it onto the woodwork.
Despite Brazil’s dominance, Japan stayed compact and disciplined with a packed defense as extra time loomed. In stoppage time, Guimaraes delivered from the edge of the box with a precise pass through a crowded area to release Martinelli, who finished smartly across Suzuki to win it for Brazil. Guimaraes celebrated his decisive moment before being withdrawn to a hero’s reception, and the final seconds ticked away as Brazil celebrated reaching the knockout stage. Brazil will now face the winners of Norway v Ivory Coast for a quarter-final spot.
Goalkeeper ratings and match notes highlighted Guimaraes as Brazil’s man of the match, with Goal rating him 8 out of 10, noting his willingness to drive Brazil forward and his three first-half attempts. His assist for Martinelli came as part of a four-game tally of assists at the 2026 World Cup, adding to the goal and assist count that have defined his tournament so far. The highlights mark his decisive pass to Martinelli at 6.45. The campaign for Newcastle United’s captain continues with the group stages and knockout rounds featuring his involvement, including the June 13 clash where Bruno Guimaraes assisted Vinicius Jr in a 1-1 draw with Morocco.