Matheus Cunha has been hailed by Brazilian media after his standout performance in Brazil's 3-0 World Cup 2026 victory over Haiti. The Manchester United forward scored twice in the first half, opening the scoring in the 23rd minute and adding a second in the 36th, before Vinicius Junior sealed the win in stoppage time.
The result was a crucial response after Brazil's opening 1-1 draw with Morocco. Cunha, 27, replaced Brentford's Igor Thiago in the starting lineup and impressed with his movement and link-up play. Correio Braziliense praised manager Carlo Ancelotti for the change, noting that Cunha "showed why he is considered indispensable" and is "one of the key players for the national team."
O Globo asked columnists to name the best player in the win, with Cunha a popular choice. One writer said: "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."
Cunha's goals were his first under Ancelotti, making him the 15th different scorer in the Ancelotti era. The forward, who wears the No. 9 shirt, was praised for his hybrid role, dropping deep to participate in build-up play while also showing a goalscorer's instinct. The performance has sparked calls for him to retain his starting spot going forward.
