A Japan fan has gone viral on social media after he was filmed screaming among a sea of jubilant Brazil fans following Monday’s Round of 32 clash at the 2026 World Cup.

Japan took the lead midway through the first half at the Houston Stadium through Kaishu Sano, but five-time world champions Brazil equalised early in the second half thanks to veteran midfielder Casemiro.

With seconds of stoppage-time remaining, Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli broke Japanese hearts with a smart finish past goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

Japan Fan Goes Viral

REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

Shortly before the broadcast ended, a blue-haired Japan fan was seen shouting and screaming while Brazil supporters laughed and even put their own national flag around him. Watch the clip below:

Some viewers expressed concern for the Japan fan on social media, while Brazil supporters were criticised for mocking him.

However, more information has now come to light about the supporter – as well as what happened afterwards.

Who is the Viral Japan Fan?

The fan is a Japanese streamer who goes by the name of ‘gamix.o7’. He claims he “accidentally bought a ticket in the Brazil section” and it seems his screams and cries were more theatrical than a genuine show of emotion.

The following video shows him saying “I don’t like Brazil” after the match before the famous yellow shirt is placed onto him. Watch the clip below:

He also met Brazilian YouTuber Camila Loures, who boasts 16 million followers on the video-sharing platform, as well as a further 19 million followers on Instagram.

Taking full advantage of the moment, the pair danced together inside the stadium. Watch the video below:

The Japan fan’s own social media following is skyrocketing after his moment in the spotlight. As of Tuesday morning, his Instagram following has spiked to 476,000.

“Japan will definitely win the next World Cup,” he wrote in the caption of one recently-uploaded video.

On another video, he wrote: “Too embarrassed to go back to Japan.”

​​​​​​​Brazil Reach Last 16

REUTERS/Phil Noble

After overcoming Brazil in the Round of 32, Brazil will now face either Ivory Coast or Norway in the Round of 16 this Sunday.

There’s a chance that they could face rivals Argentina in the quarter-finals. Lionel Messi and co. Take on Cape Verde in the Round of 32 on Friday before going head to head with the winners of the Australia vs Egypt tie on July 7.

Brazil’s victory has seen them leapfrog England into fourth place in Opta’s latest rankings. England take on DR Congo on Tuesday.

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has brilliantly explained why he didn’t celebrate Gabriel Martinelli’s last-gasp winner against Japan at the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil were impressed in the group stage as they topped Group C. Their reward for going unbeaten in their three group matches was a tricky last 32 tie with Japan.

Japan, who had been considered one of the competition’s ‘dark horses’, took the lead in the 29th minute when Kaishu Sano’s strike nestled into the bottom corner.

Brazil were much better in the second half, and they drew level 11 minutes after half-time when Casemiro headed home.

Ancelotti, considered one of the greatest managers in football history, subbed on Gabriel Martinelli midway through the second half with the hope he could win the match for his side. The Arsenal star did just that in the sixth minute of stoppage-time as his effort found the back of the net via the post.

Carlo Ancelotti Explains Why He Didn’t Celebrate Brazil’s Progression

REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

Brazil’s players and staff went crazy as they celebrated Martinelli’s 96th-minute winner. Ancelotti, meanwhile, did not celebrate the goal.

With a glum expression on his face, Ancelotti turned his back on the celebrations before talking through tactics with a few of his staff members.

Ancelotti has now explained the reason for his actions, saying that it was down to respect. He said, per The Tribune:

“Of course I celebrated inside because my responsibility is to Brazil and qualifying was our objective. But I’ve been in football for many years, and I’ve experienced both victory and heartbreak. Sometimes the best way to respect your opponent is to remain humble in your biggest moments.

“Japan made us suffer for ninety-five minutes. They deserved our respect, not exaggerated celebrations. Brazil are through, but we know we must improve. Tonight we celebrate the qualification, but tomorrow we go back to work because the World Cup only gets more difficult from here.”

Ancelotti Praises Brazil’s Performance

REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

Ancelotti also expressed his pleasure at Brazil’s display. He said, per Football365:

“This was the most complete game we have played (at the World Cup). We had trouble in the first half as Japan were defending well, they were close and tight to us.

“In the second half, we overcame it, we got some space and put in crosses. This was an evolution (in tactics) for sure.

“At halftime I said to the players to be patient, because sooner or later we would score a goal. But we had to keep our shape to ensure we did not compromise the game further.

“Japan is a very good team, very organised, they create dangerous opportunities and get close (defensively). They are physical.”

Brazil will face either Norway or Ivory Coast in the last 16 of the competition. The match will take place at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 5.

By the time we get to this stage of the year in the Formula 1 calendar, talk of Silly Season is always high. It’s hard to beat the mess of Oscar Piastri‘s Alpine–McLaren saga, but this year is already providing some crazy stories.

The most recent news to take the paddock by storm was Max Verstappen to McLaren, though, CEO Zak Brown was eager to shut down said rumours when talking to Sky Sports on Sunday’s grid.

With several contracts up at the end of the season, whose decision will be the domino effect to trigger mass change?

While many drivers are tied to ‘multi-year deals’, others are set to be out of contract soon. Fernando Alonso is one of those names; news that will only continue with Aston Martin‘s lack of performance.

Younger drivers like Liam Lawson, Isack Hadjar, and Arvid Lindblad are all on short-term deals too. However, with the trio all impressing, it’s hard to imagine they won’t be on the grid next year.

Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz has been tipped for a move away from Williams. The project under the leadership of James Vowles hasn’t gone to plan, with the new regulations only setting the Grove outfit back. There’s no surprise Sainz could be weighing up his options, with even his own father putting pressure on him to leave, especially after the expectations when joining Williams. The question is, where does he go?

Carlos Sainz Leaving Williams Could Spark Other Moves

There have been heavy links between Sainz and Audi. It makes sense given his father, Carlos Sainz Sr, represented the brand in 2024 when he achieved a historic Dakar Rally victory.

Reports are suggesting that Sainz is looking for a way out of his current team amid dissatisfaction with them. He is free to leave in 2026 through an exit clause in his contract, and Audi could be the big winners if they can add a driver of Sainz’s quality.

Bringing in the former Ferrari driver will have to come at a cost, however, and the F1 paddock is starting to fear it could be Nico Hulkenberg who makes way. Gabriel Bortoleto currently leads the German in the Drivers’ Championship, picking up their only two points of the season so far.

However, it isn’t just performance that would play a part in a potential exit. Talking to F1 Insider, journalist Ralf Bach touched on the inter-team issues that may be plaguing Hulkenberg’s chances.

Philippe Nanchino via Reuters

“Att Audi, I get the feeling anyway that there might be a bit too much political manoeuvring going on again,” he said.

It will be interesting to see how this all pans out, and whether or not anybody will look to keep Hulkenberg on the grid for 2027. Interestingly, next up is the British GP, as the German returns to the track where he ended his historical run without a podium.