Matheus Cunha set for 2026 World Cup start
Image Credits: Imago Images
Matheus Cunha has never played in a World Cup tournament outside of qualifying, but the Manchester United forward is finally set to do so at 27 years old.
Brazil face fellow Group C powerhouse Morocco at 11 pm GMT on Saturday, in just the fifth of 104 games in the 2026 World Cup.
Cunha was handed the number nine shirt for the 2026 World Cup by Brazil, an early sign of his importance in the tournament. He will need to produce quite the impact to help his side beat Morocco, who made it all the way to the semi-final in 2022.
According to Brazilian outlet Globo, Matheus Cunha is set to start the game. It appears the United forward, who usually plays in a wide left winger position for the Red Devils, will line up as the centre forward for Brazil, with Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr to his left, and Barcelona’s Raphinha on his right.
Expected Brazil lineup, reported by Globo: Alisson, Danilo, Gabriel Magalhães, Marquinhos and Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá; Raphinha, Matheus Cunha and Vini Jr.
It’s a great opportunity for Cunha. With Brazilian talisman Neymar out injured, it gives him the chance to start, with an opening for Vinicius carved on the left side.
As well as Cunha, Casemiro is expected to start for the Brazilians, who left Manchester United upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the 2025/26 season. The pair were extraordinary last campaign, where the Reds achieved UEFA Champions League qualification under new head coach Michael Carrick.
New United signing Ederson, who has not yet been officially announced by the club, will be among the squad but will not start in this World Cup match. The 26-year-old will be happy to be there, as a late call-up just days before the tournament.
It will be a great opportunity for Manchester United fans to watch their club’s players, of recent past and present, take to the field. It’s set to be an enthralling match between two teams that believe they can make it all the way.
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