As Brazil and Japan clashed in a thrilling FIFA knockout game on Monday, fans in Karachi’s Lyari neighbourhood held their breath to see which team would advance to the last 16.
Football fanatics of all ages gathered at Lyari International Football Stadium for a jam-packed screening of the match played in Houston. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab also joined them at the stadium, which has been hosting screenings of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.
Brazil — which is widely favoured in Lyari, earning the area the nickname “Mini Brazil” — emerged victorious, leaving the stadium filled with joy as spectators celebrated.
Dawn takes a look at the scenes that played out during the tense match, where a 96th-minute goal by substitute Gabriel Martinelli helped Brazil secure its place in the last 16.
For most of the match, the LED screen was the sole source of light as the power supply was suspended, conveniently creating a theatre-like mood for the occasion.
Yet, the scenes remained vibrant as Lyari’s passion for football showed through in the form of jerseys and flags filling the venue.
People of all ages came to the screening, with a large number of children among them, creating an energetic mood with their cheering.
And of course, Brazil — the five-time champions — were a popular choice for fans in “Mini Brazil”.
With many in the crowd supporting Brazil, the mood often reflected the situation the yellow shirts found themselves in.
When Japan midfielder Kaishu Sano scored a classy solo goal 29 minutes into the match — following a Brazilian mistake — fans could be seen reacting in despair.
However, emotions soon shifted and smiles spread across many faces as Brazil dominated the second half.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side struck back in the 56th minute, with a header from veteran Casemiro levelling the score at 1-1.
It was all Brazil thereafter as they pushed for a late winner, with Vinicius Junior — who had scored four times in the group stage — increasingly in the thick of the action.
Then came Martinelli’s late intervention, as he side-footed home from five metres out in the 96th minute to put Brazil 2-1 ahead.
Loud cheers echoed through the stadium as the favourites secured their place in the last 16.
As fans headed home after the celebrations, the streets of Lyari reflected their deep passion for football.
Brazil supporters in yellow jerseys walked home with pride, while those cheering for Japan looked forward to other matches to express their love for the game.
Header image: A child holds a flag of Brazil during a screening of the FIFA World Cup match between Brazil and Japan at Lyari International Football Stadium in Karachi on June 29, 2026. — Tahir Jamal