Matheus Cunha scored twice as Brazil surged to the top of Group C at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Haiti, producing a vastly improved performance from their opening draw against Morocco and securing the Caribbean nation’s elimination from the tournament.
Vinicius Junior added Brazil’s third goal before halftime as the five-time world champions overwhelmed Haiti with their pace, movement, and attacking quality during a dominant first-half display.
The victory moved Brazil into first place in Group C and placed them firmly on course for the knockout stage, while Haiti became the first team officially eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after suffering consecutive defeats following their narrow 1-0 loss to Scotland.
Brazil showed their attacking intent from the opening whistle and repeatedly exploited Haiti’s high defensive line. Raphinha thought he had given the South Americans the lead after 12 minutes when he latched onto a through ball from Bruno Guimaraes and finished confidently, but the Barcelona winger was correctly flagged offside.
Ten minutes later, Raphinha was again sent clear behind the defense but lifted his shot wide of the target, with the assistant referee’s flag once more raised.
Brazil’s pressure finally paid off in the 23rd minute. Vinicius Junior cut inside from the left and forced Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide into a save. The rebound fell perfectly for Cunha, who calmly converted from close range to make it 1-0.
The opening goal only increased Brazil’s confidence. Haiti struggled to cope with the movement of Vinicius, Cunha and Raphinha, who continuously found space behind the defense.
Cunha doubled Brazil’s advantage in the 36th minute after Haiti surrendered possession in midfield. Vinicius quickly released the Manchester United forward down the left, and Cunha blasted a first-time finish into the roof of the net to complete his brace and put Brazil firmly in control.
Despite the excellent start, Brazil suffered a concern just before halftime when Raphinha was forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. Bournemouth teenager Rayan was introduced in his place.
Brazil added a third goal in first-half stoppage time. Lucas Paqueta delivered a perfectly weighted lofted pass over the Haiti defense, and Vinicius timed his run to perfection before coolly slotting the ball beyond the helpless Placide.
Leading 3-0 at the break, Brazil eased off somewhat in the second half but continued to create chances while maintaining complete control of the match.
Haiti managed their first shot on target three minutes after the restart when Wilson Isidor capitalized on a loose pass from Danilo, but his effort was comfortably gathered by Alisson Becker.
The Haiti substitutes brought more energy to the contest, and the Caribbean side came close to scoring their first World Cup goal since 1974. Ricardo Ade’s powerful header from a corner was brilliantly stopped by Alisson at point-blank range, preserving Brazil’s clean sheet.
Jean-Kevin Duverne later dragged an effort wide, while Isidor forced another excellent save from the Brazilian goalkeeper as Haiti searched for a consolation goal.
Brazil continued to threaten at the other end. Gabriel Martinelli saw a shot tipped onto the crossbar by Placide, Douglas Santos fired over from distance, and teenage striker Endrick had a goal ruled out for offside. Ederson also missed a good opportunity as the South Americans failed to add to their first-half tally.
Dominique Simon tested Alisson deep into stoppage time with a long-range strike, but the Liverpool goalkeeper was equal to the effort, capping an impressive individual performance.
While Brazil could not match their first-half intensity after the interval, the damage had already been done. Cunha’s clinical finishing and Vinicius Junior’s outstanding display helped the Selecao deliver the response their supporters demanded after a disappointing opening draw.
The result leaves Brazil in command of Group C heading into the final round of matches, while Haiti’s World Cup journey comes to an end after two spirited but ultimately unsuccessful performances against elite opposition.
