The evening schedule of the 2026 World Cup (Kyiv time) delivered real drama: Brazil advanced to the Round of 16 only thanks to a 96th-minute goal, defeating Japan 2:1 in Houston. The match, which kicked off at 20:00 Kyiv time, kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last second.
Brazil vs Japan 2:1 (Round of 32)
Japan drew first blood: Kaishu Sano capitalised on an error in Brazil's build-up play and found the net with a precise strike — 0:1 before the break. The Seleção looked disoriented in the first half despite having over 80% possession. The turning point came in the 56th minute: Casemiro levelled with a header from a corner, even though the same player had nearly gifted the opponents a goal earlier. Vinícius Júnior had a chance to put Brazil ahead, but Suzuki kept the ball out with the post's help. The decisive moment arrived in the 96th minute: substitute Gabriel Martinelli received a pass from Bruno Guimarães and finished brilliantly to seal it — 2:1.
Bruno Guimarães is the leading candidate for man of the match, having set up the winning goal. Japan, who had impressed in the group stage, are out of the tournament — the Samurai Blue paid the price for a too-passive second half. Brazil will face the winner of the Canada vs South Africa tie in the Round of 16. Read more about that match in our article "Round of 32 kicks off: South Africa vs Canada at 22:00 Kyiv time".
Matches currently in progress
At 23:30 Kyiv time, the match Germany vs Paraguay (Boston) got underway. The result of that game will be covered in the morning digest. Netherlands vs Morocco kicks off at 04:00 Kyiv time on 30 June — also in the morning edition. The full 2026 World Cup schedule in Kyiv time is available on our website.
Evening context
June 29 is the second day of the World Cup's Round of 32. The tournament, featuring a record 104 matches, keeps delivering surprises: no top side can afford to let their guard down. Brazil have now come from behind twice at this tournament — and twice found the strength to win. For earlier evening results, see our article "France vs Norway 4:1, Senegal vs Iraq 5:0: 2026 World Cup evening digest".
Photo: via nbcsports.com · Editorial (source)
