Brazil's Decisive 3-0 Win
Brazil Secures 3-0 Victory Over Haiti in World Cup Behind Cunha's Two Goals
Brazil crushed Haiti 3-0 on Friday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, moving to the top of World Cup Group C. Matheus Cunha scored twice and Vinicius Junior added a goal and an assist in a match that was effectively over by halftime. AP News reported 68,324 fans packed the stadium to watch the Seleção record their first win of the 2026 tournament.
The result eliminates Haiti from the competition. It is Haiti's first World Cup since 1974 — a 52-year wait that ended in the group stage. Brazil, meanwhile, moves to 4 points and leads Group C ahead of Morocco, but questions about the team's true quality linger despite the comfortable scoreline.
Cunha Erupts With Two Goals to Settle It Early
Matheus Cunha was the story of the night. The Manchester United forward started after coming off the bench in Brazil's first match. In the 23rd minute, he tapped in a rebound after Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide parried a Vinicius Junior shot to make it 1-0. Thirteen minutes later, Cunha struck again — a powerful left-footed shot into the upper corner off a diagonal pass from Vinicius. Brazil led 2-0 at the 36th minute.
Vinicius Junior put the match to bed in the 45th minute, scoring just before halftime from a weighted pass by Lucas Paquetá to make it 3-0. EFE noted that Vinicius "finally looked like his Real Madrid self" after a quiet opening match against Morocco. The second half was goalless, though Endrick had a goal disallowed for offside in the 77th minute.
Raphinha Injury Clouds Brazil's Group Stage Picture
Brazil's night was not without concern. Raphinha was substituted off in the 40th minute with a suspected hamstring strain. He had already seen a goal ruled out for offside in the 11th minute before the injury cut his night short. AP News reported that medical staff are monitoring his condition, putting his availability for Brazil's next match in doubt.
Neymar Jr. also remains sidelined in New Jersey, recovering from a right calf injury. His absence continues to fuel debate about how creative Brazil can truly be. Coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the team still has room to grow, saying: "Today we took a step forward, but we must do more to silence the doubts."
Haiti Bows Out With Pride After 52-Year Absence
Haiti was outmatched on paper and on the pitch. Brazil had 59% possession and fired 18 shots to Haiti's 7. Haiti managed just 1 shot on target all match. Yet the Haitian community in Philadelphia — one of the largest Haitian diaspora populations in the US — treated the occasion as a celebration. Fans packed the streets around Lincoln Financial Field regardless of the scoreline.
Haiti coach Sebastien Migne kept his chin up after the final whistle. "It's been 52 years since we were last here," he said. "My players showed they belong on this stage. We made our people proud." Haiti's final group match is against Morocco in Atlanta. They become the first team officially eliminated from the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil Wins Big But Critics Want More Jogo Bonito
The 3-0 scoreline masked lingering doubts. Brazilian media were measured in their praise. This was the bare minimum expected against a team ranked far below Brazil. Critics noted that Brazil still lacks a "virtuous version" of themselves — the fluid, attacking football that defines their history. Analysts pointed out this was the 41st time Brazil scored 3 or more goals in a World Cup match, a tournament record according to OptaJoe.
Brazil now faces Scotland on June 24 in Miami. A win or draw will likely seal their spot in the Round of 32. Ancelotti's team has the firepower — Cunha and Vinicius proved that Friday. But against Scotland, and potentially tougher opponents beyond, the coach knows more is needed. "A team must be more than perfect," Ancelotti said. "It must be resilient."
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