Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha started for Brazil in their second World Cup 2026 group stage clash against minnows Haiti
Matheus Cunha #9 of Brazil celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Haiti at Philadelphia Stadium
Matheus Cunha was the star of the show as Brazil beat Haiti at World Cup 2026(Image: Getty)
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Brazilian media had nothing but praise for Matheus Cunha after the Manchester United star's impressive World Cup 2026 outing against Haiti. The 27-year-old grabbed two goals in a 3-0 victory.
Carlo Ancelotti's side had drawn their first match of this summer's tournament 1-1 with Morocco. They therefore had a point to prove when they faced Haiti, who sit 87th in the current FIFA men's world rankings, in the early hours of Saturday morning for those based in the United Kingdom.
Brazil did not falter on this occasion, as United ace Cunha opened the scoring after a pedestrian first 23 minutes. With wind in their sails, the five-time champions went 2-0 up thanks to Cunha again in the 36th minute. In first-half stoppage time, Brazil added a third through Vinicius Junior.
The second 45 was managed well and the clash ended 3-0 in Philadelphia. Media in Brazil particularly raved about Cunha, not holding back with endless applause and the claim that he is the present and future of the Selecao's attack.
Correio Braziliense
Brentford's Igor Thiago led the Brazilian line for their first game against Morocco, but was ousted by Cunha for the Haiti match to great effect. Correio Braziliense lauded manager Ancelotti for this change and Cunha for his performance.
Matheus Cunha #9 of Brazil scores his team's second goal against Jean-Kevin Duverne #22 of Haiti during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Haiti at Philadelphia Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The 27-year-old opened the scoring in Philadelphia(Image: Getty)
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A report read: "The Italian [Ancelotti] has crossed the Atlantic and transformed the 27-year-old [Cunha] from Paraiba into one of the key players for the national team.
"The goals scored in the 23rd and 36th minutes of the first half were Cunha's first under Ancelotti's command. The striker became the 15th different player to score in the Ancelotti era.
"He showed why he is considered indispensable. Although he wears the No. 9 shirt, he is far from being a classic centre forward. He leaves the area, participates in the build-up play and brings the different sectors closer together.
"In his first game as a starter in a World Cup, however, he was also opportunistic like a true goalscorer. In 2022, Richarlison scored two against Serbia. This time, it was Cunha's turn to take centre stage."
O Globo
Another publication, O Globo, asked writers and columnists to give verdicts on which Brazilian played the best during the 3-0 win. Whilst a handful opted for Vinicius Junior, Cunha was a popular selection.
Brazil's forward #09 Matheus Cunha celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the 2026 World Cup Group C football match between Brazil and Haiti at the Philadelphia Stadium
Cunha celebrated his first goals under Ancelotti(Image: Getty)
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One writer claimed: "Matheus Cunha. He came into the team and did everything that was expected of him after a great season with Manchester United.
"He helped to give fluidity and movement to the attack. He clicked with Vini and showed opportunism. He has to be an absolute starter for this team."
Another agrees that Cunha's performance should now guarantee him a place in the starting XI going forward. The report reads: "He showed that he is the best option in the squad for the hybrid role between striker and midfielder."