Japan v Brazil live: Hosts stun five-time world champions with incredible comeback win

Japan v Brazil live: Hosts stun five-time world champions with incredible comeback win

Japan 3-2 Brazil: Hosts came from two goals down at half-time to secure a remarkable victory as both sides continued their World Cup preparation

Luke Baker

Tuesday 14 October 2025 14:15 BST

(REUTERS)

Japan staged a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat five-times world champions Brazil 3-2 in a friendly at a sold-out Tokyo Stadium, earning their first-ever win over the South Americans in 14 meetings as both sides’s World Cup 2026 preparations continued.

Trailing 2-0 at half-time after goals from Paulo Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli, the hosts capitalised on Brazilian defensive errors before Ayase Ueda's late header sealed a famous victory to give Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti plenty to ponder.

Takumi Minamino halved the deficit in the 52nd minute after Fabricio Bruno's misplaced pass allowed the forward to score from just inside the box. Nine minutes later, Bruno’s dismal night worsened as he sliced an attempted clearance into his own net to level the match.

With the home crowd in full voice, Japan pressed for a winner. Substitute Junya Ito provided the decisive moment, delivering a pinpoint corner in the 71st minute which Ueda met with a powerful header after beating defender Lucas Bera

ldo to the ball.