Brazil snatch last-gasp winner to overturn deficit, Japan knocked out after taking lead three times in embarrassing record

The 2026 World Cup round-of-32 tie concluded with Japan falling 2-1 to Brazil, bowing out in disappointment. With this defeat, Japan have now been eliminated from three consecutive World Cup knockout matches after having taken the lead first. In the match, Japanese midfielder Kaito Sano opened the scoring in the 29th minute, giving his side the advantage. However, Brazil equalised in the 55th minute and completed the comeback with a 95th-minute winner from Martinelli. As a result, Japan have now lost all of their last three World Cup knockout games after failing to protect an initial lead.