FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE updates: Brazil score late to beat Japan, Germany take on Paraguay as the Netherlands prepare for Morocco

The 2026 FIFA World Cup reached a pivotal moment as Brazil staged a dramatic late comeback to eliminate Japan in the round of 32. The match, held in Houston, saw Brazil trail 1-0 before equalizing through Casemiro's header in the 56th minute. The tie was set to go into extra time until Gabriel Martinelli, who had entered as a substitute in the second half, struck in the sixth minute of added time to secure a 2-1 victory. This result marked a significant exit for Japan, who had been considered strong contenders in the tournament. Brazil now faces either the Ivory Coast or Norway in the round of 16, with the match scheduled to take place in New Jersey.

The match against Japan was not without its challenges for Brazil. Earlier in the tournament, the Brazilian squad had faced logistical hurdles due to an ongoing health crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The mayor of Goma, a city in eastern Congo controlled by the AFC/M23 rebels, imposed a ban on public gatherings and demonstrations, including celebrations related to sporting events. This decision came in response to concerns about the spread of Ebola, which had led to the cancellation of the national team's pre-tournament training camp and fan farewell in Kinshasa. Instead, the players were required to undergo a 21-day quarantine in Belgium. The ban on public gatherings extended to four provinces, including the capital, Kinshasa, as part of broader measures aimed at curbing the outbreak, which had infected 1,274 individuals and resulted in 360 deaths since being declared on May 15.

In addition to Brazil's match, the day brought other notable developments. Germany took on Paraguay in Boston, with the latter team making headlines for their historical connection to Australia. Paraguay qualified for the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams following their group match, a 0-0 draw against the Socceroos. The nation's ties to Australia date back to 1893 when a new Australian leader and socialist propagandist named William Lane sought to establish a "socialist utopia" for Australian sheep shearers in Paraguay's jungle. This historical anecdote adds an interesting layer to the current matchup between the two nations.

Germany's lineup featured several changes, with Deniz Undav earning his first start of the tournament, replacing Jamal Musiala. Forward Nathaniel Brown returned to the defense after recovering from a minor muscle injury that had kept him sidelined during Germany's loss to Ecuador in their final group match. Meanwhile, Paraguay's Miguel Almiron made a return to the team after serving a one-match suspension for a controversial red card received in their group game against Turkey. Almiron became the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth during a confrontation with another player.

As the day progressed, fans and analysts alike turned their attention to the upcoming match between the Netherlands and Morocco, expected to be a high-stakes encounter. The Netherlands, known for their strong football tradition, would be looking to advance past the round of 32, while Morocco, having made history by reaching the knockout stages, would aim to continue their remarkable run. Both teams have shown resilience throughout the tournament, and their meeting promised to be a thrilling spectacle for supporters around the world.

Looking ahead, the outcomes of these matches will shape the trajectory of the competition. Brazil's victory over Japan sets the stage for a potential showdown with either the Ivory Coast or Norway in the round of 16, while Germany's performance against Paraguay could determine their path forward. The Netherlands' clash with Morocco is likely to be a defining moment for both teams, potentially setting the tone for future encounters in the tournament. As the World Cup progresses, each match brings new opportunities and challenges, keeping fans engaged and eager for the next chapter of the global football spectacle.