Brazil beat Haiti 3-0 as Cunha double seals first 2026 World Cup win

Brazil earned their first win of the 2026 World Cup on Friday, beating Haiti 3-0 at Philadelphia Stadium and leaving the Caribbean nation unable to reach the knockout round. Matheus Cunha scored twice and Vinícius Júnior both scored and provided an assist as the five-time champions responded to an opening 1-1 draw with Morocco.

The match drew 68,324 spectators, with Brazil’s supporters making up much of the crowd. Haiti, appearing at the tournament for the first time since 1974, became the first team guaranteed not to advance, according to officials after the result.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti made changes after the opener and handed Cunha a starting role. Neymar was again ruled out because of a lingering calf injury, and Cunha took his chance by converting a rebound for his first career World Cup goal before adding a second with a left-footed finish in the first half.

Cunha and Vinícius combine to break open the game

Brazil’s opening goal came after Vinícius’s effort was saved by goalkeeper Johny Placide and Cunha was first to the loose ball to turn in the rebound. Vinícius then slipped a pass through Haiti’s defence for Cunha to drive home Brazil’s second, giving the Seleção a firm first-half lead.

Raphinha was substituted with an injury in the first half after having an early goal disallowed for offside. Despite the disruption, Brazil kept control of the match and limited Haiti’s chances against a defence that stayed organised behind the ball.

Group C picture and what comes next

Vinícius added another first-half goal to put the match out of Haiti’s reach, and Brazil managed the remainder without needing to chase the game. The win lifted Brazil to four points in Group C after two matches.

Brazil are scheduled to complete the group stage against Scotland on Wednesday in Miami Gardens, Florida. Haiti’s defeat confirms they cannot reach the next stage, leaving their final group match to play for pride.