Matheus Cunha has scored his first World Cup goal for Brazil, breaking through on the biggest stage in football after a tournament that, until now, had been defined more by frustration than celebration for the Manchester United forward.
The goal caps a redemption arc that started well before the first whistle in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Cunha was left off Brazil’s squad entirely for the 2022 tournament. Four years later, he’s not just on the roster, he’s finding the net.
From omission to breakthrough
Cunha earned his spot on Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad on the back of a strong Premier League campaign. He tallied 10 goals and 4 assists across 33 matches during the season, helping Manchester United secure a third-place finish in the league.
Cunha made 5 appearances in the tournament before finally converting, with earlier matches marked by missed chances, including a notable squandered opportunity against Morocco.
