Japan produced a stunning comeback to defeat Brazil 3-2 in an international friendly in Singapore on Saturday, November 14, 2026. Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scored a dramatic 91st-minute winner to seal the victory after Vinícius Júnior had inspired Brazil's fightback with two goals.

The result gave Japan a memorable victory over one of international football's most successful teams and offered some revenge for their defeat to Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match also ended in controversy, with Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti and forward Raphinha receiving red cards following protests over Japan's winning goal.

Japan take two-goal lead against Brazil

Japan made an impressive start and caught Brazil off guard with two goals inside the opening 20 minutes.

Takefusa Kubo opened the scoring in the 15th minute, giving the hosts an early advantage. Just four minutes later, Keito Nakamura doubled Japan's lead after finishing a cross from Shuto Nakano. Brazil struggled to contain Japan's attacking movement during the opening stages, but gradually found their rhythm and began creating opportunities.

Vinícius Júnior eventually pulled one back for Brazil in the 33rd minute. The Real Madrid forward produced a powerful long-range effort to reduce Japan's advantage to 2-1 before half-time.

Vinícius Júnior scores twice to bring Brazil level

Brazil returned with greater attacking intent after the break and continued putting pressure on the Japanese defence.

Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Vinícius scored his second goal of the match. The forward produced an excellent finish from the left to bring Brazil level at 2-2, completing a comeback that appeared to have rescued the visitors from defeat. However, Japan refused to settle for a draw and continued looking for opportunities in the closing stages.

Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scores dramatic late winner

Just when Brazil appeared to have secured a comeback result, Japan delivered the decisive blow. Substitute Tatsuhiro Sakamoto found the net in the 91st minute after capitalising on a loose ball inside Brazil's penalty area. The Coventry City player fired home to put Japan 3-2 ahead and send the Japanese supporters into celebration. The late goal proved decisive, giving Japan a memorable victory after they had surrendered their two-goal advantage.

🚨⚽ GOAL: BRAZIL HAS BOTTLED IT AT THE VERY LAST MINUTE OF THE GAME! 🇯🇵🔥

JAPAN TAKES THE LEAD! ✨

🇯🇵 Japan [3-2] Brazil 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/DqDYXkSVwd

— FÚTBOL HUB (@FutbolHub_) November 14, 2026

Carlo Ancelotti and Raphinha sent off after protests

The closing moments were also marked by controversy as Brazil's players and coaching staff protested the circumstances surrounding Japan's winning goal. Brazil believed a foul had been committed on Bruno Guimarães during the build-up. The protests escalated, resulting in red cards for manager Carlo Ancelotti and Raphinha, who had already been substituted.

Japan get revenge for 2026 World Cup defeat

The victory carried additional significance because Brazil had beaten Japan 2-1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 encounter. Gabriel Martinelli scored a late winner in that match, making Japan's latest triumph a particularly satisfying response.

Japan will next face Paraguay on November 17, while Brazil are scheduled to play Singapore as both teams continue their international preparations.