Matheus Cunha Opens the Way, Brazil Bounces Back from Early Defeat
Brazil defeated the United States 2-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, on June 15, 2026 — the second match of Group A in the 2026 World Cup. After a shocking loss to Portugal in their opening game, the Samba team needed an absolute win. Matheus Cunha answered: two goals within 15 minutes — one shot from the penalty box in the 58th minute, and a sharp header from Raphinha's corner kick in the 70th.
The USA tried to make a late comeback through Christian Pulisic in the 83rd minute. But Brazil held on — Marquinhos blocked two final attempts, and Alisson saved Weston McKennie's shot that hit the crossbar in extra time.
"We played with heart. This is for the Brazilian people who never stopped believing," said Cunha after the match.
Dorival Changes Style, USA Stalls in Midfield
Brazil's coach Dorival Júnior switched to a 4-3-3 formation — Bruno Guimarães was sidelined as the playmaker, and Casemiro was placed as the destroyer. Midfield control became tighter. Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha were given wide space on the wings. The result: 58% ball possession, 15 shots on goal, and two goals from three clear chances.
The USA used a 4-4-2 under Gregg Berhalter. However, they failed to break through Brazil's midfield. Pulisic and McKennie were often forced to play outside the danger zone. Statistics showed only 8 shots on goal — two of them came in the last 10 minutes.
"Brazil is great, but we didn't give up," said Pulisic. "We lost by one goal. Not one mentality."
Group A Standings Still Dependent on One Match
Brazil is now in second place in Group A with three points — tied with Portugal and the USA. However, Portugal leads based on goal difference (+2). The USA dropped to third place with three points as well, but with a -1 goal difference. Morocco and Saudi Arabia are in fourth and fifth places — each with one point.
The final group match will determine who advances:
- Brazil vs Morocco (June 21, NRG Stadium, Houston)
- USA vs Saudi Arabia (June 22, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood)
- Portugal vs Saudi Arabia
- Morocco vs Brazil
Dorival Júnior emphasized: "We are not yet qualified. Morocco is not a team to be underestimated."
Neymar Attends Without Playing, Cunha Becomes Star
Neymar, still recovering from an injury, was present in the stands. He stood and gave a long clap after Cunha's second goal. "He proved he is ready. We all believe," said Brazil's captain.
Gregg Berhalter admitted disappointment, but not despair: "We faced a four-time world champion. If we lost by one goal, it's not a failure — it's a challenge."
Cunha, the player of the match, now leads the temporary top scorers' list with three goals. "This is just the beginning," he said briefly — before running towards the Brazilian supporters chanting his name from the north stand.
Pressure Increases for Hosts
As hosts, the USA is now under huge pressure. This loss is not just a setback — it reduces the margin for error. If they lose again against Saudi Arabia, they will be eliminated even though they are the first host nation in World Cup history to fail to advance to the Round of 16.
Brazil, on the other hand, needs to beat Morocco — a team that recently held Portugal to a 1-1 draw. In five previous meetings, Brazil won three times and drew once. But old statistics are no longer relevant. Morocco plays with new confidence, supported by a young squad and a tight defensive strategy.
Brazilian fans can be relieved — but not complacent. Momentum must be maintained. And Cunha, that night, had lit the first fire.