Philadelphia: Brazil registered a commanding 3-0 victory over Haiti to get their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign back on track, with Matheus Cunha scoring twice in a dominant performance that underlined the gulf in quality between the two sides.
Coming into the match after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Morocco, the five-time world champions responded emphatically, showcasing their attacking prowess and control to move closer to qualification for the knockout stage. The result also confirmed Haiti as the first team to be eliminated from the tournament.
Cunha leads Brazil’s charge
Matheus Cunha emerged as the standout performer for Brazil, scoring twice in the first half to set the tone for a comfortable win. His opening goal came in the 23rd minute following a scrappy sequence inside the box. After Vinicius Junior’s effort was parried, Cunha reacted quickly to block a defensive clearance, guiding the ball into the net.
The forward doubled his tally later in the half, finishing off a well-worked move initiated by Vinicius, who slipped a precise pass through Haiti’s defence. Cunha, despite losing balance, managed to fire a powerful left-footed shot into the goal, effectively sealing the contest before half-time.
Vinicius adds finishing touch
Vinicius Junior capped off Brazil’s dominant first-half display by scoring the third goal. Running onto a floated pass from Lucas Paqueta, the winger calmly slotted the ball through the legs of Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide.
Brazil could have extended their lead further, having already seen an earlier goal by Raphinha ruled out for offside. Despite losing Raphinha to injury during the match, Brazil maintained control and continued to create chances throughout.
Tactical changes pay off
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti made key changes to the starting lineup following criticism of the team’s previous performance. Cunha was introduced into the attack, while Danilo replaced Roger Ibanez at right-back, bringing added balance to the side.
The adjustments proved effective as Brazil dominated possession and dictated the tempo from the outset. Their structured approach and attacking intent left Haiti struggling to cope, with the difference in FIFA rankings clearly evident on the pitch.
Haiti show resilience despite exit
Despite the defeat, Haiti showed moments of resilience and nearly scored their first World Cup goal in over five decades. Ricardo Ade came close with a header from a corner, forcing Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker into a sharp save.
Haiti’s participation in the tournament, their first since 1974, has been a significant milestone, even though results did not go in their favour. Coach Sebastien Migne had urged his players to embrace the challenge of facing top-tier teams, and they displayed determination despite the odds.
The Caribbean side also received strong support from fans in the United States, with a large Haitian diaspora contributing to a lively atmosphere in the stadium.
Neymar absence and squad depth
Brazil were without star forward Neymar, who continues to recover from a calf injury. His absence drew attention, with Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva humorously remarking that Neymar was “working remotely”.
However, Brazil’s depth was evident, as young talent Endrick made an appearance off the bench to loud applause from supporters. Substitute Gabriel Martinelli also impressed, coming close to scoring after striking the crossbar.
Road ahead for both teams
With this victory, Brazil now hold an advantage over Morocco in Group C on goal difference and are well-placed to secure a spot in the knockout stage. They are scheduled to face Scotland in their final group match in Miami on June 24.
Haiti, on the other hand, will conclude their campaign against Morocco in Atlanta. Although eliminated, they will aim to finish on a positive note and gain valuable experience from competing on the world stage.
Conclusion
Brazil’s comprehensive win over Haiti marks a crucial turning point in their World Cup journey, restoring confidence after an underwhelming start. With improved performances and tactical clarity, the team appears poised to build momentum heading into the knockout rounds. For Haiti, the tournament may be ending early, but their participation highlights the growing diversity and competitiveness of global football.