Japanese fans regret team World Cup elimination

High hopes dashed. Japanese fans fight sadness, accept home team out of World Cup.

Japan football team lose 1-2 to Brazil in round of 16 World Cup 2026. Out of tournament. Goal in 95th minute bring pain to fans watching at dawn.

Shigenobu Katsumura, one of 200 fans watching Japan-Brazil match in Tokyo public venue, proud of team effort, sad about loss.

"Hold Brazil that long, extra time could change everything. Chance existed. Loss hurts," Katsumura, 55, say.

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Japan beat Brazil first time in friendly last October in Tokyo. Fans hope for new surprise in World Cup clash.

Time zone difference force Japan fans choose: wake early or stay up all night. Match end 4 AM.

"Stay up all night. Go home, sleep, work tomorrow. No, work today. Start 8:30 AM," Noa Takagi, 29, office worker, say.

Japanese fan cry after match between home team and Brazil in Houston June 29. Photo: AP

Before match, Japan fans hold breath seeing Brazil team. Anxiety turn to joy minute 29. Midfielder Kaishu Sano dribble, shoot past Brazil goalie Alisson. Score first.

Suspense return. Brazil equalize minute 11 second half. Tension peak as South Americans attack Japan goal in injury time.

Brazil player Gabriel Martinelli kill Japan hope. Score winner in final minutes. Japan fans stunned.

"Think we win. Final score disappoint. Brazil show strength. Play well," Tomo Yoshida, 35, say.

Japan target World Cup trophy. Ambitious goal. Team never win knockout match before.

Bad streak continue. But fans proud team make Brazil struggle.

"Watch since Netherlands match. Atmosphere today different. Heat rise in knockout stage," fan Katsumura say.