Brazil 2-1 Japan: Five key takeaways from FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash

Brazil will face either the Ivory Coast or Norway in the pre-quarterfinals.

Brazil have defeated Japan 2-1 to advance to the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The five-time champions secured a historic comeback over the Samurai Blue after trailing in the first half.

After Casemiro scored the equaliser, the game entered a stalemate as both sides struggled to create chances. The Selecao struggled to create goal-scoring opportunities throughout the game despite having the majority of possession.

On the other hand, Japanese players were making runs on the wings to maintain an upper hand over Brazil’s brewing offence. Nevertheless, the Seleção had the last laugh after Gabriel Martinelli scored in the added time.

On that note, let’s take a look at the five key takeaways from the FIFA World Cup 2026 clash:

5. Zion Suzuki deserves his flowers

Zion Suzuki is unarguably one of the best players in the Japanese lineup. The 23-year-old Parma goalkeeper has given consistent performances for Samurai Blue. He made four saves each against the Netherlands and Sweden in the group stage of the FIFA World Cup. In the round-of-32 clash, he made four saves and had 12 recoveries.

4. Japan are solid as a team

The whole Japanese squad is filled with players who have a high work rate. They can play in the attack and quickly move into the defensive formation as per the team’s requirements.

The five-time champions played high-pressure, possession-based football, while the Samurai Blue were barely getting any chances. Thus, it became important for Hajime Moriyasu’s side to play physical football and try to forcefully take possession from Japan.

Also Read: Who is Zion Suzuki? Japan’s USA-born goalkeeper starring at FIFA World Cup 2026

3. Casemiro’s yellow card and goal

Former Real Madrid defender Casemiro received a yellow card in the 14th minute of the game for his tackle on Junya Ito. As soon as he received the card early in the game, the Brazilian midfielder became cautious. Still, he completed more dribbles (1) than any other Brazilian player in the first half.

However, he reinvented himself in the second half to score for the Selecao and put the game on even ground. The 34-year-old thumped a header on the back post on a cross swung by Gabriel, leaving Zion Suzuki stunned.

2. A day to forget for Endrick

Carlo Ancelotti made the first substitution at halftime when he called in Endrick in place of Lucas Paquetá. Endirck was expected to have an immediate impact, but the 19-year-old only had 13 touches in 45 minutes. He also has only four accurate passes (4/8). Brazil faced significant difficulties in offence against Japan; it was the errors that helped the Selecao win.

1. The first conceding curse is finally over

In more than ten years, Brazil have won their first competitive game after conceding a goal first. In the last five competitive matches, when Brazil have conceded the first goal, they have failed to secure a victory. However, the curse is finally over as they are eying their first FIFA World Cup title since 2002.

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