Vinicius Junior (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Matheus Cunha scored two goals as Brazil defeated Haiti 3-0 to move to the top of Group C at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Vinicius Junior also found the net in Philadelphia, with all three goals arriving before halftime. Brazil produced a much stronger attacking display after beginning the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Morocco.
The defeat confirmed Haiti’s elimination from the competition. They had opened their campaign with a 1-0 loss to Scotland.
Cunha Capitalizes On Brazil’s Fast Start
Brazil repeatedly found space behind Haiti’s high defensive line during the opening half.
Raphinha appeared to give Brazil the lead in the 12th minute after collecting a pass from Bruno Guimaraes, but the goal was disallowed for offside. The Barcelona winger had another opportunity 10 minutes later, sending his finish wide before the flag was raised again.
Brazil eventually broke through in the 23rd minute. Vinicius moved inside from the left and forced goalkeeper Johny Placide to parry his curling shot into Cunha’s path. The Manchester United forward converted from close range.
Cunha added his second goal in the 36th minute after Haiti surrendered possession in midfield. Vinicius released the striker down the left, and Cunha drove a first-time shot into the top of the net.
Brazil suffered a potential injury concern shortly before halftime when Raphinha left the field with an apparent hamstring problem. Bournemouth teenager Rayan replaced him.
Vinicius Adds Third Before Halftime
Vinicius completed the first-half scoring during added time.
Lucas Paqueta lifted a pass over Haiti’s defence, allowing the Real Madrid forward to move into the penalty area and place his finish beyond Placide.
Haiti created more opportunities after the break. Substitute Wilson Isidor registered their first attempt shortly after halftime following a mistake by Danilo, but his shot was comfortably saved by Alisson.
The Brazil goalkeeper later made a close-range stop to deny Ricardo Ade following a corner. Jean-Kevin Duverne also sent an effort wide, while Isidor forced another strong save from Alisson late in the match.
Haiti Eliminated As Brazil Take Group Lead
Brazil continued to threaten but could not extend their advantage.
Placide tipped Gabriel Martinelli’s shot against the crossbar, while Douglas Santos fired over. Endrick had a goal ruled out for offside, and Ederson missed another opportunity.
Dominique Simon tested Alisson from distance in stoppage time, but Haiti were unable to score their first World Cup goal since 1974.
The result moved Brazil into first place in Group C and ended Haiti’s hopes of reaching the round of 32. Supporters comparing tournament markets through soccer betting sites can also review RG’s World Cup 2026 Betting Bonuses in Canada page for offers connected to the competition.