Brazil brush Haiti aside in dominant victory

TOPSHOT – Brazil’s forward #09 Matheus Cunha (C) celebrates with Brazil’s forward #07 Vinicius Junior (L) and Brazil’s midfielder #20 Lucas Paqueta after scoring his team’s second goal during the 2026 World Cup Group C football match (Photo by Mauro PIMENTEL / AFP via Getty Images)

Brazil breezed past Haiti thanks to three first-half goals with two coming from Matheus Cunha and one from Vinicius Junior. The Selecao looked a completely different side to the one that faced Morocco, with a marked improvement from their previous outing.

This result ensures Haiti can no longer reach the knockout stage, who also suffered defeat to Scotland in their opening game.

Haiti’s high line did not do them any favors, allowing Vinicius Junior, Cunha and Raphinha plenty of opportunities to get in behind.

Raphinha’s early goal was ruled out for offside and this gave the Caribbean side a warning for what was to come.

Ten minutes later, Raphinha was sent through again but saw his chip go just wide of the post.

Just one minute later, Brazil took the lead through Matheus Cunha who bundled the ball over the line after Johny Placide parried the ball in the direction of the Manchester United man.

Cunha scored a second shortly after as he smashed the ball into the roof of the net leaving Placide with no chance in the Haiti goal

Unfortunately for the five time World Champions Raphinha had to be replaced before half time with what looked like a hamstring injury. Bournemouth winger Rayan came on in his place.

Vinicius Junior made it three just before half time with a slotted finish under Placide, this goal gave Haiti a mountain to climb if they were to get something from the game.

Haiti did create some chances though, with Alisson stopping Ricardo Ade’s header with what would have been a first World Cup goal since 1974.

Brazil had numerous chances but were unable to add to their tally in the second half. The missed chances by Haiti in the second half eventually lead to them becoming the first country to be eliminated from this year’s tournament.

TOPSHOT – Brazil’s forward #07 Vinicius Junior celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the 2026 World Cup Group C football match between Brazil and Haiti. (Photo by Mauro PIMENTEL / AFP via Getty Images)