Brazil 3-0 Haiti: Cunha Double and Vinicius Strike Send Selecao Top as Haiti Exit

Brazil 3-0 Haiti gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side their first win of World Cup 2026, as Matheus Cunha scored twice, Vinicius Junior added a third before half-time and Haiti became the first team eliminated from the tournament.

Brazil needed a response after the questions that followed their opening 1-1 draw with Morocco, and they found one in Philadelphia. This was not a perfect performance, but it was controlled, efficient and much more balanced in attack. Cunha, selected to start ahead of Igor Thiago, gave Brazil the movement and penalty-box sharpness they had lacked in their opener, while Vinicius again provided the decisive creative spark.

Haiti battled with pride and forced Alisson into one strong second-half save, but the gap in quality was clear. After conceding three times before the interval, Sebastien Migne’s side could not find a route back and their World Cup campaign is now over after two defeats. Brazil, meanwhile, move top of Group C on goal difference and now prepare for a decisive final group match against Scotland.

Match Summary

Brazil started with clearer purpose than they had shown against Morocco. The passing was still not always as fluid as Ancelotti would want, but the front line looked more connected with Cunha operating as the central reference. His movement repeatedly opened space for Vinicius and Raphinha, while Brazil’s midfield found more forward passing lanes.

The opener arrived in the 23rd minute in unusual fashion. Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide pushed out an effort from Vinicius, and Hannes Delcroix’s attempt to clear struck Cunha, spinning into the net. It was fortunate, but it also rewarded Brazil’s pressure and Cunha’s sharp reaction inside the box.

The second goal was much cleaner. Vinicius released Cunha into space, and the Manchester United forward finished superbly into the top corner nine minutes before half-time. That strike gave Brazil the cushion they needed and showed why his inclusion had changed the texture of the attack.

Vinicius then made it 3-0 in first-half stoppage time. Lucas Paqueta produced a superb ball over the top, and the Real Madrid winger calmly slotted past Placide for his second goal of the tournament. By the break, the result was effectively settled.

Cunha Gives Brazil a Better Attacking Shape

Cunha was the key difference from the Morocco match. Brazil had looked too predictable in their opener, but here the 27-year-old kept dropping into pockets, linking play and then arriving in the box at the right moment. His first goal may have carried fortune, but his second showed confidence and technique.

His movement created more room for the wide players. Vinicius benefited from having a forward who could combine rather than simply occupy centre-backs, while Raphinha’s early involvement helped Brazil attack with greater width before his injury.

The performance also gives Ancelotti a major selection decision. Igor Thiago started the opener, but Cunha’s display made a strong case that he should lead the line again against Scotland. Brazil looked more balanced, more mobile and more dangerous with him as the central forward.

Vinicius Keeps Driving Brazil Forward

Vinicius again looked like Brazil’s most decisive attacking player. He was involved in the first goal, assisted Cunha’s second and scored the third himself. Against a compact Haiti side, his timing and acceleration gave Brazil the directness they needed.

The third goal was the best example of his composure. Paqueta’s pass was excellent, but Vinicius still had to control the moment and finish calmly. He did exactly that, giving Brazil total control before the second half.

If Brazil are to grow into serious title contenders, Vinicius will remain central. They still need more cohesion around him, but his individual quality continues to turn pressure into goals.

Raphinha Injury the Only Major Concern

The main disappointment for Brazil was Raphinha’s first-half injury. The Barcelona winger was forced off before the interval and replaced by Rayan, adding uncertainty before the final group match.

Raphinha gives Brazil intensity, pressing, left-footed balance and direct threat. Losing him for any length of time would reduce Ancelotti’s options, especially with Neymar still being carefully managed. Brazil have depth, but tournament rhythm can be disrupted quickly by injuries to key attackers.

Endrick later thought he had scored on his World Cup debut, only for the offside flag to deny him. Even so, the teenager’s appearance gave Brazil another attacking storyline as Ancelotti continues to assess his forward options.

Haiti Show Spirit But Exit Early

Haiti’s tournament ends with disappointment, but not disgrace. They were outmatched by Brazil’s speed and technical quality, yet they kept competing after half-time and came close to a consolation when Ricardo Ade directed a header on target from a corner, forcing Alisson into a strong save.

The Grenadiers were always facing a huge task in Group C. After losing to Scotland and then Brazil, they can no longer catch Brazil or Morocco, and Scotland hold the head-to-head advantage over them. That makes Haiti the first team eliminated from World Cup 2026.

Migne will still take positives from the effort and organisation shown in spells. Haiti did not collapse emotionally after the first half, and their players continued to chase, tackle and look for a moment of pride. But against one of the world’s elite sides, the lack of finishing power and defensive depth was decisive.

Standout Player

Cunha was the standout player. His two goals changed the tone of Brazil’s tournament and gave Ancelotti a stronger attacking blueprint. He was not only a finisher; he connected play, moved intelligently and helped Brazil look more fluid.

Vinicius was close behind after contributing to all three goals. Paqueta also deserves praise for the pass that created the third, while Alisson stayed alert when called upon in the second half.

Tactical Analysis

Brazil’s improvement came from better movement through the front line. Cunha’s dropping movements created gaps, Vinicius attacked the space behind, and Paqueta’s passing gave the attack more imagination. Compared with the Morocco draw, Brazil looked less static.

Haiti tried to stay compact, but the first goal forced them to open up slightly. Once Brazil added the second, the match became a control exercise. Ancelotti’s side did not need to overcommit after half-time, which may explain why the second period lacked the same intensity.

The concern is that Brazil still have to prove this attacking balance against stronger opposition. Haiti were spirited but limited. Scotland will be more physical, more organised and more emotionally invested in the final group game.

What the Result Means

Brazil now lead Group C on goal difference, level on points with Morocco. Their final match against Scotland will determine whether they finish strongly and secure the most favourable knockout route possible.

Haiti are eliminated and will play Morocco only for pride in their final group match. Their objective now is to compete, seek a first point and leave the tournament with dignity.

Final Verdict

Brazil did what they had to do. Cunha’s inclusion improved the attack, Vinicius delivered again and the Selecao avoided any second-match anxiety by settling the contest before half-time.

The performance was still not flawless, and Raphinha’s injury is a concern, but this was a necessary win and a clear improvement on the Morocco draw. Brazil are top of Group C and have a platform to build from.

For Haiti, the dream ends early. For Brazil, the tournament finally feels underway.

Final score: Brazil 3-0 Haiti.