“5 World Cups… You Small!”: Matheus Cunha mocks Japan’s Kento Shiogai after Brazil’s dramatic win in World Cup Round of 32

In one of the most talked-about moments from the 2026 FIFA World CupBrazil forward Matheus Cunha delivered a memorable on-pitch retort to Japan’s Kento Shiogai following Brazil’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan in the last 32 stage.

The Match Context

Brazil came from behind to beat a resilient Japan side on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Houston Stadium. Japan took a surprise lead through K. Sano in the 29th minute, but Casemiro equalized in the 56th minute before Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli scored a stunning 96th-minute winner.

The win sent Brazil through to the last 16, where they will face either Norway or Ivory Coast. Japan, despite a strong performance, were eliminated in a heartbreaking fashion.

What Sparked the Clash?

Before the match, Japanese striker Kento Shiogai made headlines with bold pre-game comments that downplayed Brazil’s current status:

• “Brazil used to be very strong. Now, I feel France are strong. Argentina too. But I haven’t heard much about Brazil lately.”
• He also questioned Neymar’s form, saying he’s “not the same player he used to be.”

These remarks were widely circulated on social media and clearly motivated the Brazilian squad.

Cunha’s Post-Match Response

After the final whistle, Cunha was caught on camera confronting Shiogai with the now-viral line:

“5 WORLD CUPS… YOU SMALL!”

🚨🇧🇷 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Matheus Cunha to Japanese player Kento Shiogai after the game: “5 WORLD CUPS… YOU SMALL!”

— @geglobo pic.twitter.com/IINQmf1K3g

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) June 29, 2026

The taunt directly references Brazil’s record five World Cup titles (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002) — a legacy no other nation matches.