The Japanese national team defeated Brazil 3-2 in a friendly match at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, marking Japan’s first-ever victory over the Brazilians in official and friendly encounters. The game, part of the October FIFA Date, saw Brazil take an early lead with goals from Paulo Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli in the first half, but Japan fought back in the second with strikes from Minamino, Nakamura, and Ueda. The match also decided the Kirin Cup trophy, which went to the hosts based on the result.
Brazil opened the scoring at 25 minutes of the first half, with Paulo Henrique finishing a pass from Bruno Guimarães. Six minutes later, Martinelli extended the lead after an assist from Lucas Paquetá. In the second half, Japan applied pressure and overturned the score in quick succession.
- Minamino reduced the deficit at 6 minutes exploiting a defensive error.
- Nakamura equalized at 16 minutes from Ito’s cross.
- Ueda sealed the comeback at 25 minutes with a header from a corner.
🚨 GOOOL! Ayase Ueda!
— Gols do Brasileirão ⚽️🇧🇷 (@golsdobrasil1) October 14, 2025
Japão [3] – 2 Brasil
Sigam: @golsdobrasil1
pic.twitter.com/T1o7Wzh11J
Japanese comeback in the second half
Japan started the reaction early at 6 minutes into the second half. Fabrício Bruno erred in passing out from the back, allowing Minamino to control in the area and shoot into the angle, making it 2-1. The Asian side maintained high pressure, disrupting Brazil’s build-up play.
Next, at 16 minutes, Ito crossed from the right and Nakamura finished first-time, with the ball deflecting off Fabrício Bruno into the Brazilian goal. The referee awarded the goal to Japan, tying the score at 2-2.
Brazilian goals in the first half
Paulo Henrique scored Brazil’s opener at 25 minutes. Bruno Guimarães linked with Paquetá and provided a precise pass for the Vasco full-back to enter the area and tap past goalkeeper Suzuki. It was Paulo Henrique’s debut goal for the senior national team.
At 31 minutes, Paquetá delivered a chipped pass to Martinelli, who struck left-footed to make it 2-0. Brazil controlled the initial actions, with 3 shots compared to Japan’s 2 in the first half.
The Brazilian dominance lasted until the break, with 55% ball possession and patient passing exchanges.
Substitutions and tactics
Brazil’s coach Carlo Ancelotti made changes during the second half. At 11 minutes, Rodrygo, Matheus Cunha, and Joelinton replaced Vini Jr., Martinelli, and Bruno Guimarães. Later at 29 minutes, Richarlison, Estêvão, and Caio Henrique came on for Paquetá, Luiz Henrique, and Carlos Augusto.
Japan also adjusted personnel to sustain momentum. Ito entered at 8 minutes for Kubo, and Tanaka at 27 minutes for Minamino. These swaps bolstered the Japanese attack, which totaled 10 shots against Brazil’s 6.
The Japanese substitutions added speed on the wings, capitalizing on Brazilian defensive mistakes. Brazil attempted to respond with Richarlison, but efforts were blocked or saved by Suzuki.
Post-match reactions
After the final whistle, the Japanese coach praised the defensive compactness and counter-attacks. Players like Ueda emphasized the historic significance of the win, the first in 13 meetings between the teams since 1989.
On the Brazilian side, Ancelotti acknowledged errors in ball distribution and aerial marking. Casemiro, one of the holdovers from the previous lineup, played the full 90 minutes despite 10 changes from the Korea Republic match.
The loss ended Brazil’s winning streak in Asia, following a 5-0 victory over the Koreans.
Match history
Brazil and Japan had faced off 13 times prior to this friendly, with 11 Brazilian wins and 2 draws. The last encounter in 2022 ended 1-0 to Brazil in the World Cup. This Japanese victory shifts the record and boosts the team for Asian qualifiers.
Japan now has 1 win, with goals coming in sequence in the second half via set pieces and individual errors.
Game details
South Korean referee Kim Jong-hyeok added 2 minutes in the first half and 6 in the second. Yellow cards to Estêvão and Doan. The stadium recorded around 50,000 attendees, with visible Brazilian support.
Total shots: Japan 13 x 9 Brazil. Balanced possession at 50% each. Corners: 5 for Japan and 4 for Brazil.
Brazil returns home to prepare for South American qualifiers, while Japan lifts the Kirin Cup trophy.
