FIFA World Cup: Matheus Cunha stars as Brazil dismantle Haiti 3-0 for first win
Brazil registered their first win of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a convincing 3-0 victory over Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday, with Matheus Cunha scoring twice and Vinicius Junior adding another as the five-time champions climbed to the top of Group C.
After being held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in their opening match, Brazil needed a positive response and produced an impressive first-half display that left Haiti chasing the game. The South Americans moved onto four points, level with Morocco, who had earlier beaten Scotland 1-0. Scotland remain on three points, while Haiti, with back-to-back defeats, became the first team to be eliminated from the tournament.
Brazil vs Haiti, FIFA World Cup 2026: HIGHLIGHTS
Brazil took control in the 23rd minute, although there was a touch of fortune about the opening goal. Vinicius tested Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide with a low effort, and while the shot was initially kept out, defender Hannes Delcroix’s attempted clearance ricocheted off Cunha and crossed the line to give Brazil the breakthrough.
The goal settled Brazil and they soon began to dominate proceedings. Cunha doubled the advantage in the 36th minute with the standout moment of the evening. Released by a perfectly weighted through ball from Vinicius, the striker burst into space and unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike into the top corner, leaving Placide rooted to the spot.
Brazil completed a dominant first-half performance in stoppage time. Lucas Paqueta spotted Vinicius’ run behind the Haiti defence and picked him out with a superb long pass. The Real Madrid forward brought the ball under control before calmly finishing past Placide to make it 3-0 and effectively end the contest before the interval.
Having established a comfortable lead, Brazil were content to manage the game in the second half. Carlo Ancelotti’s side controlled possession and rarely looked troubled, but they were unable to add to their tally despite enjoying the better of the chances and territory.
That could yet prove significant. With Morocco still to face Haiti and Brazil set to take on a Scotland side fighting for qualification, goal difference could become a decisive factor in determining who finishes top of Group C.
Haiti, meanwhile, showed far greater resilience after the break. A switch to a 4-4-2 formation helped them gain more control in midfield and they competed far better than they had during a one-sided first half. While they never seriously threatened a comeback, they succeeded in preventing Brazil from further increasing their advantage.
Goalkeeper Alisson endured a relatively quiet evening as Brazil comfortably saw out the result, securing a victory that puts their World Cup campaign back on track after the opening draw against Morocco.
For Haiti, the defeat ended any hopes of reaching the knockout stages. However, their improved second-half display offered some encouragement despite becoming the first nation to be eliminated from the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil will now turn their attention to a crucial final group-stage clash against Scotland, carrying momentum and confidence after their most complete performance of the tournament so far.
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