Brazil’s comeback win revives World Cup hopes after 24‑year drought

Brazil secured a place in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 2‑1 victory over Japan on Monday (29), ending a 24‑year drought without a knockout‑stage comeback. The win also keeps alive the nation’s quest for a sixth title.

Casemiro opened the scoring for Brazil, giving the side an early lead against Japan. His goal also drew him level with Mário Zagallo, Argentina’s Olarticoechea and the Dutch duo Memphis Depay and Daley Blind for the most World Cup matches without a loss, at twelve.

Gabriel Martinelli struck in the 95th minute to complete the comeback and clinch the win. The Arsenal forward’s goal became the latest knockout‑stage winner in tournament history, surpassing Italy’s Francesco Totti, who scored at 94 minutes and 26 seconds in 2006.

Bruno Guimarães moved into the tournament’s assists lead as a result of Brazil’s victory. His contribution added to the team’s offensive output alongside the late strike from Martinelli.

For statistical purposes, Brazil’s 2022 elimination by Croatia on penalties is excluded from the unbeaten‑match record. Casemiro himself missed the 2018 quarter‑final loss to Belgium after a suspension, which did not affect his unbeaten tally.

The win marks Brazil’s first knockout‑stage comeback since Rivaldo and Ronaldinho Gaucho’s 2‑1 triumph over England in the 2002 World Cup. That 2002 victory secured a semi‑final berth, a feat the nation has not repeated until now.

Superstitious or not, Martinelli’s decisive goal may provide extra fuel for Brazil to break the title drought that has persisted since 2002. The team now looks to build on the comeback as it pursues a sixth World Cup crown.