Cunha scores twice for Brazil as Endrick fan campaign puts Ancelotti under pressure

Matheus Cunha scored twice as Brazil opened their World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Haiti in Philadelphia, but the Manchester United forward’s generous words about teenage forward Endrick have only amplified calls for the 19-year-old to start under Carlo Ancelotti.

Cunha, 27, was the standout performer on the night, capping an emotional display with a brace that moved him to tears at full time. “I’m ecstatic, that’s the truth. Everything I’ve ever asked God for is happening,” the former Wolves attacker said. “Sometimes a difficult moment, pre-World Cup, generates those doubts, and after the first game in this one I had the chance to be a starter, to score two goals in a World Cup. I saw my mother, my wife crying, I wanted to cry too. But everything will be alright.”

Despite owning the spotlight, Cunha was effusive in his praise for Endrick, who entered the field to a rapturous reception from the crowd. “His qualities are very clear,” Cunha said. “He’s a boy who has already brought a lot of pride to the Brazilian people. He’s a great player and I hope he helps us a lot. Let him and his family be assured that, whenever they need me, I will help them with the greatest pride possible.”

Endrick, who registered eight goals and eight assists during a recent six-month loan spell with Lyon, also used the occasion to address the fan campaign pushing Ancelotti to give him a starting berth. The forward was careful not to overstep, but made clear he trusts the process. “Ancelotti, I spent a year with him at Real Madrid. He knows what I do when I come on, I give my life for the team,” Endrick said. “He’s not going to do what’s best for Endrick, for the fans — he’s going to do what’s best for the team. The coach knows very well that I can help the team. Seeing what the fans do for me, I’m very grateful.”

The clamour for Endrick to start is now stronger than ever, even with Neymar working his way back to fitness and pushing for a return to the squad. Brazil’s depth in attack gives Ancelotti options, but the public appetite for the teenager to play from the first whistle shows no sign of easing after his lively substitute appearance in Philadelphia.