Brazil 2-1 Japan result, stats and report

Norway did what few believed possible, arriving at this World Cup knockout stage and leaving with Brazil's scalp. Rafa Mbeki reflects on a night that reminded everyone why football is so gloriously unpredictable.

Brazil secured a 2-1 win over Japan in World Cup 2026 group stage action, but the result tells only part of the story. Japan's away form and goal-scoring pattern made this a more structured contest than the scoreline suggests.

Japan dominated the early phases and looked capable of winning comfortably, but Sweden's defensive resilience and a well-taken equaliser earned them a point that keeps their qualification hopes alive in Group stage of World Cup 2026.

Brazil delivered a composed and commanding performance to defeat Scotland 3-0 at the World Cup 2026, a result that confirmed the gap in class between the two sides and left Steve Clarke's men facing an early exit.

Japan were comfortable, professional, and deserved in their 2-0 win over Tunisia. Tunisia arrived at this World Cup group stage match with one game played, five goals conceded, and zero points. It showed.

Gabriel Martinelli has left Arsenal for Al-Hilal in a £60m deal, ending seven years in north London after Mikel Arteta told him he wasn't part of his plans. Unlike previous Saudi Pro League signings, the 25-year-old Brazil international is leaving Europe still in his footballing prime, a shift that could reshape how clubs assess the threat of Saudi recruitment.

Neymar announced his retirement from international football after Brazil lost 2-1 to Norway. His late penalty took his Brazil record to 80 goals in 130 appearances.

Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway beat Brazil 2-1. The result took Norway into its first World Cup quarter-final, correcting the original article's claim that the team had reached that stage in 1998.