Matheus Cunha is not interested in Brazil’s storied World Cup history – he simply wants to make his mark in the 2026 tournament.
Brazil take on Norway in the round of 16 on Sunday knowing a win would edge them a step closer to clinching the country’s sixth world title.
And while this is not a vintage Selecao side compared to previous iterations, Carlo Ancelotti’s men have landed in arguably the weaker half of the draw and stand a good chance to reach at least the last four.
First up, though, is Norway and Cunha is focused fully on the task in hand.
He said: “We want to build our own history and mark the hearts of Brazilians in the same way that previous generations marked ours. We want to achieve great goals, but, above all, we want to make the Brazilian people proud.
“If we are to mark this generation, let it be by conquering another star. That’s how they [previous generations] were immortalised.”
Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti will have to make a change in midfield with Lucas Paqueta ruled out due to a hamstring problem and Cunha admits Brazil will miss the former West Ham man.
Asked for his thoughts on how Brazil will be affected, he added: “It depends on the coach’s gameplan. We are growing increasingly confident with the harmony and the continuity we are having. It gives a lot of confidence to repeat the same things, demonstrating to us that it is working.
“We will miss Paquetá, because we were creating a harmonious routine. It depends on what the coach will want for the team. I don’t want to have the responsibility of being the coach right now.”
Norway will be underdogs in New Jersey but the presence of goal machine Erling Haaland gives them a chance.
Haaland has five goals so far, including a late winner in the round of 32 triumph over the Ivory Coast.
The Manchester City striker will resume his battle with Arsenal centre-half Gabriel on Sunday in a fascinating sub-plot that could go a long way to deciding the outcome.
Team news for Brazil v Norway
Danilo Santos is set to replace Paqueta in midfield. Raphinha has returned to training but the Barcelona winger will have to settle for a place on the bench with Rayan keeping his spot on the right side of the attack. Casemiro is fit.
Norway full-back full-back Julian Ryerson is edging closer to full fitness but won’t be risked in this one.
Predicted line-ups for Brazil v Norway
Brazil: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Guimaraes, Casemiro, Danilo Santos; Rayan, Cunha, Vinicius Jr.
Norway: Nyland; Pedersen, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Berg; Sorloth, Nusa, Haaland
Where to watch Brazil v Norway: TV and online streams
Brazil versus Norway kicks off on Sunday night at 9pm UK time. You can watch it on ITV1 and stream via ITVX.
Stats for Brazil v Norway
- Their only previous meeting at a World Cup was in 1998 when Norway won 2-1 in Marseille
- Erling Haaland has scored 50% of Norway’s goals at the 2026 World Cup
- Brazil have been beaten by the first European team they have played in a knockout round at every World Cup since 2002
Prediction for Brazil v Norway
Brazil have struggled against European opposition at recent World Cups and we can see this trend continuing. Norway will likely have the greater athleticism in midfield, although Brazil will still be dangerous going forward.
It all points towards a draw and perhaps the lottery of penalties.
Prediction: Brazil 1-1 Norway
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