When Brazil faced diminutive Haiti in the second group stage match of the 2026 World Cup, Matheus Cunha led the team.
Matheus Cunha scores two goals as Brazil beat Haiti in the 2026 World Cup (Image: Getty)
The Brazilian media was full of praise for Matheus Cunha after the Manchester United forward’s outstanding performance against Haiti at the 2026 World Cup. The 27-year-old scored two goals in a 3-0 win.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side suffered a 1-1 draw against Morocco in their first match of this summer’s competition. So they were desperate to make some statement to those watching in Britain early on Saturday morning when they faced Haiti, currently ranked 87th in the FIFA men’s world rankings.
Brazil did well on this occasion, breaking the deadlock after United striker Cunha’s poor performance in the opening 23 minutes. Emboldened by this opener, the five-time world champions doubled their advantage again in the 36th minute with a goal from Cunha. At the end of first-half stoppage time, Vinicius Junior added a third goal.
The second half went easy, and the game ended with Philadelphia up 3-0. The Brazilian media were particularly effusive in their praise of Cunha, showering him with praise and declaring him the present and future of the Selecao attack.
Sign up now for the Make Football Great Again newsletter and get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox!
Correio Brazilianense
Brentford’s Igor Thiago led Brazil’s squad in the opening game against Morocco, but was replaced by Cunha against Haiti and had notable effect. Brazilian newspaper Correio Brasiliense praised Ancelotti’s tactical change and Cunha’s outstanding play.
Cunha was a star in Philadelphia (Image: Getty)
The article reads: “The Italian (Ancelotti) has crossed the Atlantic and turned the 27-year-old from Paraiba (Cunha) into one of the key players of the national team.”
“The goals he scored in the 23rd and 36th minutes of the first half were Cunha’s first goals under Ancelotti. The striker became the 15th player to score under Ancelotti.
“He showed why he is considered indispensable. Although he wears the number 9 shirt, he is far from a typical centre-forward. He leaves the area, takes part in build-up play and brings different sectors closer together.”
“But in his first World Cup start, he was as opportunistic as a true goalscorer. In 2022, Richarlison scored twice against Serbia. This time it was Cunha’s turn to take center stage.”
Oh Globo
Elsewhere, O Globo invited writers and columnists to give their verdict on Brazil’s outstanding performance in the 3-0 win. Some chose Vinicius Junior, but Cunha emerged as the firm favorite among the committee.
One writer said: “Mateus Cunha. He joined the team after a great season at Manchester United and did everything that was expected of him.
The United forward scored his first goal under Ancelotti (Image: Getty)
“He helped give fluidity and movement to the attack. He linked up with Vini and showed opportunism. He has to be an absolute starter for this team.”
Other experts agree that Cunha should be able to secure a regular spot in the first-choice lineup. “He has shown himself to be the best option in the team in a hybrid striker-midfielder role,” the article said.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+ and Ultimate TV packages
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundles to include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, plus 135 channels and complete coverage of the Premier League and EFL from Sky.
Sky has over 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more, with at least 215 of them live from the top flight, along with F1, darts and golf.
