World Cup 2026: Japan Lead Brazil at Half-Time (1-0)

Japan lead Brazil 1-0 at half-time in their World Cup 2026 round-of-32 match at Houston Stadium thanks to Kaishu Sano’s 29th-minute goal.

Henry DONCHE

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On 29 Jun 2026 at 18:51 Updated 29 Jun 2026

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Illustration du match Brésil VS Japon, le 29/06/2026 18:00, stade Houston Stadium

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At half-time in this World Cup 2026 round-of-32 match at Houston Stadium, Japan lead Brazil 1-0. The only goal of the first half came from Kaishu Sano, who scored a decisive goal in the 29th minute. The score reflects the intensity of the exchanges over the opening 45 minutes, which were also marked by several yellow cards.

In this match between two ambitious teams, Brazil, favorites because of their record and technical depth, trail at the break. Japan, set up in a 3-4-2-1 under Hajime Moriyasu, took the lead by showing defensive solidity and measured efficiency in attack. Brazil, lined up in a 4-3-3 with Carlo Ancelotti in charge, dominate possession (77%) but are struggling to convert their chances.

The key events of this first half began as early as the 12th and 14th minutes, with yellow cards shown to Kaishu Sano and Casemiro, highlighting the strong commitment on both sides. Japan’s No. 24 confirmed his impact in the 29th minute by scoring the opening goal. A third yellow card came just before the break for Daichi Kamada on the Japanese side.

Statistically, Brazil have had seven shots, including two on target, while Japan have attempted only three shots, with just one on target. Brazil’s overwhelming share of possession (77%) contrasts with the fact that none of their shots have yet found the net, while Japan have made the most of one of their few opportunities.

Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki has already made two important saves, helping his team preserve their lead. For Brazil, Alisson has only had to intervene sporadically but will need to remain alert in the second half. The match remains open, and the balance could shift in the 45 minutes to come.

Brazil

Finished 2-1 NRG Stadium

Japan

29/06/2026 18:00 Round of 32

Fil du match

12'Carton jaune - K. SanoJapon, 12e
14'Carton jaune - CasemiroBrésil, 14e
29'But - K. SanoJapon, 29e
45'Carton jaune - D. KamadaJapon, 45e
46'Remplacement - Lucas Paqueta (remplace Endrick)Brésil, 46e
48'Carton jaune - DaniloBrésil, 48e
56'But - Casemiro (passe Gabriel)Brésil, 56e
66'Remplacement - M. Cunha (remplace G. Martinelli)Brésil, 66e
66'Remplacement - R. Doan (remplace Y. Sugawara)Japon, 66e
66'Remplacement - K. Nakamura (remplace J. Suzuki)Japon, 66e
78'Remplacement - D. Kamada (remplace A. Tanaka)Japon, 78e
78'Remplacement - J. Ito (remplace S. Machino)Japon, 78e
84'Carton jaune - J. SuzukiJapon, 84e
90+2'Remplacement - Casemiro (remplace Fabinho)Brésil, 90+2e
90+5'But - G. Martinelli (passe Bruno Guimaraes)Brésil, 90+5e
90+7'Remplacement - D. Maeda (remplace K. Ogawa)Japon, 90+7e
90+8'Remplacement - Bruno Guimaraes (remplace Danilo Santos)Brésil, 90+8e

Les chiffres du match

Tirs cadres : Brazil 6 / Japan 2
Tirs : Brazil 16 / Japan 5
Possession : Brazil 68% / Japan 32%
Corners : Brazil 3 / Japan 2
Fautes : Brazil 4 / Japan 8
Cartons jaunes : Brazil 2 / Japan 2
Passes : Brazil 588 / Japan 273
Precision des passes : Brazil 92% / Japan 84%
xG : Brazil 1.44 / Japan 0.23

Round of 32 schedule

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World Cup 2026: Japan Lead Brazil at Half-Time (1-0)

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