ORLANDO, Fla. – Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha has dismissed suggestions that Brazil’s upcoming friendly against Croatia carries a weight of revenge for their quarterfinal defeat at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Instead, the 26-year-old views Tuesday’s match in Orlando as a valuable opportunity to prepare for the challenges ahead, including the upcoming World Cup tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“It’s not about revenge,” Cunha stated during a press conference Monday. “We see it as an opportunity, and we seek to head out there and come away with the win, due to the fact that there is no other mindset when wearing this shirt than to win the match.”
The 2022 World Cup quarterfinal between Brazil and Croatia ended in a 1-1 draw, with Croatia ultimately prevailing 4-2 in a penalty shootout. The match remains a painful memory for Brazilian fans, but Cunha insists the focus is firmly on the future. The match is scheduled to kick off at 2:00 AM Croatian time (7:00 PM EDT) on Tuesday at the Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
Cunha, who joined Manchester United in August 2025 after a period with Wolverhampton Wanderers, also praised Croatia’s quality and acknowledged the importance of facing top-tier opposition. He drew parallels with Brazil’s recent 2-1 loss to France, another of the world’s leading footballing nations.
“Croatia and France are national teams on the highest shelves of world football,” Cunha explained. “Normally, we don’t get many experiences like these matches. We play within South American football. It’s wonderful to be having this opportunity.”
The forward’s comments come after Brazil’s narrow defeat to France last week, also played on American soil. Despite the loss, Cunha emphasized that the team’s confidence remains unshaken. “Nothing has changed,” he asserted. “We journalists and we players have the same idea of what to do. We want to be World Cup champions, like great idols. Regardless of the defeat, which leaves us disappointed, it also shows us a certain calmness, because we have a path. Nothing has changed in our confidence. It’s good to know that we have a lot of room for improvement.”
Cunha, who has earned 19 caps for the Brazilian national team, scoring one goal, has quickly grow a key player for both club and country. He has made 28 appearances for Manchester United this season, finding the net seven times. He highlighted the tactical differences between France and Croatia, noting Croatia’s more compact midfield.
“France opposed us in a style similar to ours, with four players in attack, while Croatia has a slightly different style of play, with a more compact midfield,” Cunha observed. “We will be ready to fight in that middle of the field without losing our identity. We will therefore play offensively with many attackers, but in a more structured way.”
The upcoming match against Croatia also carries added significance as it is Brazil’s final tune-up before head coach Carlo Ancelotti announces his squad for the World Cup. Cunha acknowledged the added pressure but framed it as a motivating factor. “This is a match that motivates us from different aspects,” he said. “The match against Croatia is a unique opportunity to play such a match, the World Cup is approaching, players want to fight for a place in the tournament, prove themselves in the Brazil shirt on a world stage… So, it’s a mix of reasons that motivates us.”
Cunha expressed his hope that the team will capitalize on the opportunity and secure a victory. “I hope we can take advantage of this opportunity and win,” he concluded.
The 2026 World Cup, set to be the first with an expanded 48-team format, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament is expected to draw massive crowds and generate significant economic impact for the host nations. For Brazil, the competition represents a chance to conclude a two-decade wait for a sixth World Cup title.
The match against Croatia provides a crucial test for Brazil as they fine-tune their preparations for the tournament. It’s a chance to assess tactical approaches, evaluate player form, and build momentum ahead of what promises to be a fiercely contested competition. The game also offers a platform for players to impress Ancelotti and secure their place in the final squad.
While the 2022 World Cup defeat to Croatia still stings, Matheus Cunha and the Brazilian squad are determined to move forward, focusing on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The friendly in Orlando is more than just a game; it’s a stepping stone towards their ultimate goal: World Cup glory.
Brazil will announce its final World Cup roster in the coming weeks. Fans can follow official updates and team news on the Brazilian Football Confederation’s website ([https://www.cbf.com.br/](https://www.cbf.com.br/)).
What are your thoughts on Brazil’s chances at the World Cup? Share your predictions in the comments below!
