By Francis Onyach - Reporter
U.S June 20 2026 - Brazil eased past Haiti with a convincing 3-0 victory in Philadelphia as Matheus Cunha scored twice to put the five-time world champions in control of Group C at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Carlo Ancelotti's side entered the match under pressure after being held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in their opening fixture. Facing a Haiti team that had already lost to Scotland, Brazil knew that anything less than victory would leave their qualification hopes under scrutiny.
The response was emphatic.
Brazil dominated possession from the opening whistle and eventually broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute. A defensive clearance ricocheted off Cunha and found its way into the net, handing the Manchester United forward his first goal of the tournament. While fortunate in its execution, the goal reflected Brazil's growing control of the match.
Cunha doubled both his tally and Brazil's advantage 13 minutes later. This time the finish was far more deliberate. A superb through ball from Vinícius Júnior split the Haitian defence, allowing Cunha to drive a powerful effort beyond goalkeeper Johny Placide and make it 2-0.
Vinícius was at the heart of Brazil's attacking play throughout the first half and capped his performance with a goal of his own just before the break. Lucas Paquetá delivered a precise long pass that released the Real Madrid star, who calmly finished to give Brazil a commanding 3-0 lead heading into half-time.
The opening 45 minutes effectively settled the contest. Haiti showed determination after the interval and attempted to push forward, but Brazil's defence remained largely untroubled. Goalkeeper Alisson enjoyed a relatively quiet evening as the Seleção comfortably managed the second half without ever appearing in danger of surrendering their lead.
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Ancelotti's decision to start Cunha proved particularly significant. The Brazilian coach had made two changes to the side that faced Morocco, bringing in Cunha and Danilo, and the striker rewarded that faith with a match-winning display.
The victory lifts Brazil to the top of Group C on goal difference, level on four points with Morocco, who defeated Scotland earlier in the day. Scotland remain on three points, while Haiti became the first team officially eliminated from the tournament after suffering consecutive defeats.
Perhaps most encouraging for Brazil was the growing understanding between Cunha and Vinícius. The pair combined brilliantly throughout the match, with Vinícius contributing a goal and an assist while playing a key role in all three Brazilian goals.
Brazil will now turn their attention to a decisive final group-stage clash against Scotland. With qualification firmly in their own hands and key attacking players beginning to find form, the Seleção appear to be building momentum at exactly the right stage of the tournament.