It wasn't easy but Brazil have booked their place in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup after beating Japan 2-1 at the Houston Stadium on Monday.
Japan took a first-half lead through Kaishu Sano and were in control throughout much of the early going in Texas before Casemiro put the Selecao back on level terms after the interval.
From there Brazil consistently hunted for a winner but Japan were able to fend them off until substitute Gabriel Martinelli seized on an opportunity deep into stoppage time to score the all-important goal.
With the potential for an embarrassing exit averted, Brazil will now turn their attention to their round of 16 fixture on Sunday 5 July in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
With hopes high that they can go all the way this summer, we've taken a look at some of the teams Brazil could face en route to the final in North America.
Bet on Brazil at the World Cup
Round of 16: Norway or Ivory Coast
After securing their victory tonight, all attentions for team Brazil will turn to the Dallas Stadium on Tuesday night as the Ivory Coast take on Norway in their round of 32 clash.
Norway are in good form after qualifying for the tournament for the first time in 28 years, and with the likes of Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard at their disposal, will be looking to go all the way.
Quarter final: Mexico or England
While England fans may already be salivating at the prospect of a potential blockbuster clash between the Three Lions and Brazil this summer, their route to the last eight is by no means straightforward.
If Thomas Tuchel's side defeat DR Congo on Wednesday then they will face the winner of Mexico vs Ecuador, with both teams having already proven their ability to compete at the highest levels.
If Mexico are able to reach the last 16 on home turf then England would have to face them at their fortress, the Azteca, where they have an exemplary record.
Semi final: Argentina
While there are several teams that Brazil could face if they are to reach the final four of this summer's tournament, on the strength of recent form it appears that it would be Argentina that would try and deny them a place in the final.
Lionel Messi continues to prove that he remains one of the best players in the world, and he will be determined to lead Argentina to a second successive final.
The two South American giants have met on four occasions at the World Cup finals, with Brazil winning twice and Argentina once.
Final: Spain or France
A number of teams from the other side of the World Cup bracket could reach the final this summer but Spain and France are the favourites based on their form and the wealth of talent at their disposal.
France are currently the favourites to win the tournament, and strolled through Group I to book their place in the knockout stages where they will face Sweden.
Meeting Les Bleus in the final would offer Brazil the opportunity for revenge after goals from Zinedine Zidane and Emmanuel Petit saw France beat them 3-0 on home soil to win the World Cup in 1998.
