The Brazilian striker was one of the protagonists of the closing match played this Monday, June 29, in which Brazil came back to win 2-1 and advance to the round of 16.
After the final whistle, Cunha approached the Japanese attacker Kento Shiogai and showed him the five fingers of one hand, in a gesture that made reference to the five world titles won by the Canarinha. The reaction was interpreted as a response to previous statements by the Japanese soccer player, who had assured before the match that Brazil “was no longer the same” and that Japan had a chance to surprise.
The images of the moment quickly went viral on social networks and divided opinions between those who considered the gesture a response to the provocation and those who described it as unnecessary.
Shortly after, Cunha himself showed a completely different side. The Brazilian approached midfielder Ao Tanaka, who wasted a clear chance in the final minutes, and hugged him while giving him some words of encouragement, in a scene that reflected the respect between both players after the intense duel.
On the field of play, Cunha started and played 65 minutes before being replaced by Gabriel Martinelli, scorer of the goal that qualified Brazil.
The attacker came into the game as one of the Canarinha’s most outstanding men in the 2026 World Cup, after scoring three goals during the group stage and establishing himself as one of the team’s main offensive weapons.
At 27 years old, Matheus Cunha is going through one of the best moments of his career. Since the 2025-2026 season he has played for Manchester United, a club he joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and his good performance with Brazil confirms the prominence he has acquired both in his national team and in European football.
The two scenes starring Cunha – the mockery and the hug – summarized the emotional contrast that a direct elimination match usually leaves: the euphoria of the winner and the consolation towards a rival who saw his World Cup dream end.