Japan v Brazil live: Gabriel Martinelli doubles Brazilian lead in international friendly in Tokyo | OneFootball

(REUTERS)

Brazil continue their preparations for next summer’s World Cup as they make the trip to Tokyo to take on Japan.

The hosts were the first team to book their place in the 2026 tournament finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with a 2-0 win over Bahrain in March ensuring progression through the Asian qualifiers.

The Selecao, meanwhile, qualified back in June after beating Paraguay 1-0, a victory that acted as Carlo Ancelotti’s first in the Brazil hot seat.

Off the back of thrashing South Korea 5-0 on Friday, Ancelotti’s side will hope to continue their fruitful jaunt in the Far East thus far, though Japan are anything but an easy assignment, boasting a 20-game unbeaten streak at home.

HALF-TIME! Japan 0-2 Brazil

Impressive stuff from Brazil in that first half. They weren’t ridiculously dominant but two moments of absolute quality led to goals from Paulo Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli.

They’re well on their way to a comfortable victory here in Tokyo.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Luke Baker14 October 2025 12:23

GOAL! Japan 0-2 Brazil (Gabriel Martinelli, 32 mins)

And just like that Brazil are 2-0 up! Again, it’s beautifully clinical in attack.

Link-up play on the edge of the box before a dinked chip over the top of the defence allows Gabriel Martinelli to get in behind and hammer a first-time, left-footed half-volley beyond Suzuki into the far corner. Class.

Luke Baker14 October 2025 12:09