Brazil returned to winning ways in style on Friday night, thrashing Haiti 3-0 at Lincoln Financial Field to secure their first victory of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Matheus Cunha scored twice in the first half, while Vinícius Júnior added a third just before the break as the five-time world champions produced a much-improved performance following their opening 1-1 draw with Morocco. The result moved Brazil level on points with Morocco at the top of Group C on goal difference and confirmed Haiti’s elimination from the tournament.
Brazil, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, looked far more clinical and cohesive than in their opening match. Cunha, handed a starting role, repaid the faith with a clinical brace. He opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after a fortunate deflection, before doubling the lead in the 36th minute with a powerful left-footed finish into the top corner. Vinícius Júnior, who was instrumental in both of Cunha’s goals, capped a dominant first-half display by racing onto a through ball and finishing low past goalkeeper Johny Placide in stoppage time. The Seleção were largely in control throughout, though they were dealt a minor blow when winger Raphinha was forced off with a leg injury shortly before half-time.
Speaking after the match, Ancelotti praised his side’s improvement: “It was what I expected from this match — better quality, fewer mistakes, more effectiveness in the forward positions, and more control at the back. I think this was a good match.
”Brazil will now look to build on this momentum when they face Scotland in their final Group C fixture on June 24 in Miami. A win or draw would likely secure top spot in the group and a favourable path in the Round of 32. For Haiti, who were making their first World Cup appearance since 1974, the defeat marked their second loss in as many games and ended their hopes of progressing from the group stage.
Match Summary
Brazil 3-0 Haiti
Goals: Matheus Cunha (23′, 36′), Vinícius Júnior (45+3′)
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Attendance: 68,324Brazil are now firmly back in contention and will be confident of advancing deep into the tournament.