Brazil fall to Japan in thrilling friendly

Japan secured a thrilling victory over Brazil, winning 3-2 in a friendly match on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the National Stadium in Singapore.

Japan took the lead through Takefusa Kubo in the 15th minute, before Kaito Nakamura added a second goal in the 19th minute.

Brazil reduced the deficit through Vinicius Junior, who scored a stunning goal in the 33rd minute with a shot from outside the box.

In the second half, the Brazil national team intensified their attempts to get back into the match, and Vinicius Junior managed to score the equalizer in the 75th minute, after unleashing a stunning shot that brought the contest back to square one.

As the match was heading towards a draw, Tatsuhiro Sakamoto snatched the winning goal for Japan in the 90th minute, amidst strong objections from Brazil players regarding a foul at the start of the attack. Protests from coach Carlo Ancelotti and Raphinha resulted in their dismissal.