Brazil Reach World Cup Last 32 With 7 Goals as Cunha Emerges as Ancelotti's Key
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 29
Brazil Reach World Cup Last 32 With 7 Goals as Cunha Emerges as Ancelotti's Key
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 29
Summary
Brazil advanced from the 2026 World Cup group stage with seven goals scored and one conceded, setting up a last-32 meeting with Japan.
Matheus Cunha has become central to Carlo Ancelotti's attack, scoring three tournament goals while dropping deep to link play and create space for Vinicius Jr and Rayan.
Ancelotti's tactical shift from 4-2-3-1 to 4-3-3 has tightened Brazil's balance, giving Casemiro more support and allowing the team to press selectively rather than dominate possession.
Raphinha's hamstring injury also helped reshape the front line, with Rayan holding the right side and opening more room for Cunha's hybrid center-forward role.
Japan now presents Brazil's toughest test yet, with the knockout game expected to challenge a more adaptable, less traditional version of the team.