Wolves are aware of the talent that Matheus Cunha has, but what does the future hold for the forward?
Despite how important the Brazilian is to Vitor Pereira’s squad, it’s expected that Cunha will leave Wolves in the summer.
After penning a new deal in January, Cunha is now protected by a release clause, which despite extending his stay at Molineux, has simultaneously opened the door to him leaving.
The 25-year-old has generated plenty of transfer interest that Wolves will benefit financially from when the forward does leave but, how important really are his next steps?
Molineux News spoke to Brazilian journalist Rogerio Amaral Junior to get an insight into Cunha’s future, and whether his eventual Wolves exit will boost his chances at international level.
Matheus Cunha given international challenge to get close to Vinicius Junior
Cunha is seen as a top player in Brazil but has not earned a national team call up since 2023, which has been punishing for the player.
The Wolves star opened up about how it felt to miss out on selection in the 2022 World Cup but, with the 2026 tournament in sight, there’s a clear goal for the 25-year-old to aim for.
While the Brazilian national team is largely in transition amid a rough patch of form and a dip in status, the Selecao have a growing list of star talent, that could soon re-include Cunha.
Speaking to Vamo Futebol editor Rogerio Amaral Junior, Cunha’s chances of being a key player in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad were assessed.
We asked whether Rogerio thought Cunha could be a crucial part of the 2026 squad for Brazil.
“If he maintains his good form, yes. But he won’t be the protagonist,” the experienced journalist explained.
“Brazil currently sees Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Rodrygo as its best players.”
Rogerio did however state that there is one way that Cunha could get close to the likes of Vinicius in the national team.
“I believe that he can not only be in the squad for the 2026 World Cup, but also be the team’s starter. But for that, he will also need to play well with the Brazilian team and not just with Wolves.”
While Cunha’s form at Molineux is recognised in Brazil, Rogerio explained just how important it is for players to prove themselves more at international level in order to gain approval in the national team squad.
At present, Cunha hasn’t done that having never scored or assisted for the CBF and is yet to feature at a major tournament – excluding his presence at the Olympic Games in 2021.
Cunha’s Brazil success doesn’t weigh on Wolves future
While Rogerio made it clear that Cunha needs to make a name for himself in the national team, what the journalist did say is somewhat reassuring for Wolves.
For so many players who perform well away from the glitz and glamour of European competitions, the desire for a transfer is to bolster international status.
That doesn’t seem to be necessary for Cunha, as Rogerio explained when outlining what the forward needs to do to further his international status.
“Not at the moment,” Rogerio responded when asked if Cunha could be as influential as the likes of Vinicius or Rodrygo.
“For that to happen, he would really need to score goals with the national team. Here Brazilians take a lot into consideration what the player does with the national team shirt, so much so that even Vinicius Junior receives some criticism for being better at Real Madrid than with the Brazilian team.
“If he starts scoring goals and playing well for Brazil, then he could become a protagonist.”
The task is clear for Cunha to become a national hero like those currently dominating the Brazil squad, with it suggested that the player’s next steps at domestic level do not weigh on his chances of making the World Cup.
Essentially, Rogerio explained that for the 25-year-old to make a name for himself, he must score for his country, downplaying the requirement for domestic form or a lucrative move.