FIFA World Cup 2026 - Brazil survive Japan to win 2-1, Canada edge out South Africa

 

 The round of 32 has started in World cup 2026 with Canada securing its entry to round of 16 with a late goal win vs South Africa while Brazil had to fight very hard before getting past a gallant Japan 2-1 in a pulsating game at Houston .

South Africa 0–1 Canada

Canada created history by winning their first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout match, defeating South Africa 1-0 in a tense Round-of-32 encounter at Los Angeles Stadium. The match appeared destined for extra time as South Africa defended bravely and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams produced several important interventions to keep the score level. Canada enjoyed the better chances throughout the contest, with Jonathan David, Tajon Buchanan and substitute Alphonso Davies all threatening the South African defence, but the breakthrough remained elusive. 

The decisive moment arrived in the second minute of stoppage time. Following sustained Canadian pressure, a headed clearance from the South African defence fell invitingly on the edge of the penalty area to Stephen Eustáquio, who struck a superb right-footed effort beyond Williams and into the net. The dramatic goal sparked wild celebrations among the Canadian players and supporters, while South Africa's courageous resistance was finally broken. Canada held firm through the remaining moments to secure a memorable victory and a place in the Round of 16. 

South Africa battled hard and remained organized for much of the match but struggled to create meaningful opportunities, managing only a handful of attempts on goal. Canada, meanwhile, finished with a clear advantage in shots and attacking pressure, their persistence ultimately rewarded by Eustáquio's late heroics. 

Goal:

Canada: Stephen Eustáquio (90+2') 

Brazil 2–1 Japan

Brazil survived a major scare against a spirited Japanese side before securing a dramatic 2-1 victory in Houston and advancing to the Round of 16. Japan produced one of their finest performances of the tournament and pushed the five-time world champions to the limit. The Asian side defended with discipline and struck first in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano won possession high up the pitch and unleashed a powerful drive past Alisson, giving Japan a shock 1-0 lead. Brazil dominated possession but found it difficult to break through Japan's well-organized defence before halftime. 

Brazil emerged with greater urgency after the interval and eventually found an equaliser in the 56th minute. A dangerous delivery into the penalty area caused confusion in the Japanese defence and Casemiro bundled the ball home from close range. The goal was initially checked by VAR before being awarded, bringing Brazil level at 1-1. 

The remainder of the match developed into a thrilling battle. Japan continued to threaten on the counterattack while goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced a series of impressive saves to frustrate Vinícius Júnior and company. As extra time loomed, Brazil finally found the decisive breakthrough deep into stoppage time. In the 95th minute, substitute Gabriel Martinelli timed his run perfectly, collected a defence-splitting pass and calmly slotted the ball past Suzuki to complete Brazil's comeback. The late strike broke Japanese hearts and ensured Brazil's passage to the next round. 

Japan exited the tournament with immense credit after pushing one of the favourites to the brink, while Brazil demonstrated the resilience and quality expected of a team with ambitions of lifting a sixth World Cup crown. 

Goals:

Japan: Kaishu Sano (29')

Brazil: Casemiro (56')

Brazil: Gabriel Martinelli (90+5')