Gabriel Martinelli Sets New Record with Last-Minute Goal for Brazil in FIFA World Cup
Historic Moment for Gabriel Martinelli
In a thrilling encounter on June 29, Gabriel Martinelli made headlines by scoring a dramatic winner in the 96th minute during Brazil's Round of 32 match against Japan in Houston. The five-time World Cup champions narrowly avoided an upset, securing their advancement to the pre-quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Martinelli, who plays for Arsenal, entered the match as a substitute in the 65th minute, replacing Matheus Cunha. Just as the game seemed destined for extra time, he received a precise pass from Bruno Guimarães inside the penalty area and displayed exceptional poise to score just before the final whistle.
Martinelli's Record-Breaking Goal
With this goal, Martinelli etched his name in history by recording the latest winner in a FIFA World Cup knockout match during regulation time. This record was previously held by the legendary Francesco Totti, who scored for Italy in the Round of 16 against Australia during the 2006 World Cup.
Latest Winners in FIFA World Cup Knockout Stages (Regular Time Only)| Player | Time | Country | Opponent | Year | Stage |
| Gabriel Martinelli | 95:00 | Brazil | Japan | 2026 | Round of 32 |
| Francesco Totti | 94:26 | Italy | Australia | 2006 | Round of 16 |
| Nacer Chadli | 93:41 | Belgium | Japan | 2018 | Round of 16 |
| Klaas-Jan Huntelaar | 93:18 | Netherlands | Mexico | 2014 | Round of 16 |
| Edgar Davids | 91:22 | Netherlands | Yugoslavia | 1998 | Round of 16 |
This goal marked Martinelli's fifth for Brazil in his 26 appearances, coming nearly four years after his international debut. It was also his first goal in a major international tournament, including the Copa America or World Cup. Although he was part of Brazil's squad in the 2022 World Cup, he did not score during that tournament. Additionally, this victory signifies Brazil's first knockout match win in the World Cup since their quarter-final triumph over England in 2002. The match also highlighted a trend in the 2026 World Cup, as both knockout matches so far have been decided by injury-time goals, following Stephen Eustáquio's 92nd-minute winner for Canada against South Africa.