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Japan eliminated by Brazil in World Cup knockout stage again

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 29, 2026, 10:43 PM

Last updated Jun 29, 2026

Japan eliminated by Brazil in World Cup knockout stage again

Summary

Japan's national team faced elimination from the World Cup after losing 2-1 to Brazil in injury time on June 29 in Houston. After establishing an early lead through Kaishu Sano's goal in the 29th minute, Japan conceded an equalizer from Casemiro in the 56th minute. Gabriel Martinelli scored the decisive goal in stoppage time, marking Japan's third consecutive early exit from the knockout rounds. Coach Hajime Moriyasu acknowledged the heartbreak of the loss but expressed hope for future tournaments, emphasizing the team's progress against top-tier teams like Brazil. Supporters in Japan remained positive despite the result, reflecting on the team's fighting spirit.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Japan led until the 56th minute before conceding two goals.
•Coach Hajime Moriyasu aims for improvement in future tournaments.
•Japan's history at World Cups features multiple knockout stage heartbreaks.
•Fans in Japan celebrated the team's effort despite the loss.
•Japan has only defeated Brazil once in 15 encounters.

Latest Updates

10:43 PMYahoo Sports — Japan faces heartbreak again as Brazil scores late to end another World Cup run in the round of 32

What they're saying

"
The heartbreak was all too familiar for Japan at the World Cup. The country's national team hung in until the very end Monday but was eliminated from the tournament — the third straight time Japan has had the lead in the knockout round and lost. This year, it was to five-time champion Brazil 2-1 on a late goal in injury time.
— Yahoo Sportsby KRISTIE RIEKEN

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