Japan beat Brazil 3:2 in Singapore, late Sakamoto winner and red cards
Late Sakamoto goal in 90+1 gives Japan a 3–2 win over Brazil; Rafinha and coach Carlo Ancelotti dismissed.
Japan produced a surprising 3:2 victory over Brazil in a friendly played in Singapore on 14 November 2026, handing the five-time world champions a painful defensive reminder and leaving coach Carlo Ancelotti under fresh scrutiny.
The match began spectacularly for the Japanese side: Takefusa Kubo opened the scoring in the 15th minute and Keito Nakamura doubled the lead just four minutes later to make it 2:0 inside the first 19 minutes.
Brazil responded before half-time when Vinícius Júnior struck from distance in the 33rd minute to cut the deficit to 2:1.
Late drama decides the game
The second half brought real drama. Vinícius Júnior levelled for Brazil with his second goal in the 75th minute, and it looked as if the visitors might avoid defeat.
However, in stoppage time — in the 90+1 minute — Japan landed the decisive blow. After a ball won by Takumi Minamino, Ogawa forced a shot; the rebound fell to Sakamoto, who converted and sealed a 3–2 win.
The closing moments also saw major protests from Brazil. Rafinha and coach Carlo Ancelotti were both sent off with red cards for dissent. This result is only Japan's second ever victory over Brazil, and once again finished 3–2; the previous win came in October 2025 after Japan overturned a two-goal deficit.
Photo: Bayern & Germany @iMiaSanMia (X)
