Brazil regained its sensations and took an almost definitive step towards the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup by defeating Haiti 3-0 with authority at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, driven by a brilliant performance by Matheus Cunha.
The Manchester United forward responded to Carlo Ancelotti’s confidence with his first two goals in a World Cup and claimed the historic number 9 of the Brazilian team under the gaze of two legends: Ronaldo Nazário and Ronaldinho Gaúcho, present in the stands.
Canarinha left behind the doubts generated by the 1-1 draw against Morocco in its World Cup debut and achieved a victory that places it at the top of Group C with four points, tied with Morocco but with a better goal difference.
Furthermore, the result decreed the mathematical elimination of Haiti, which returned to a World Cup after 52 years and became the first team to say goodbye to the tournament.
Cunha opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after taking advantage of a rebound conceded by the Haitian goalkeeper after a shot by Vinícius Jr. The Brazilian attacker extended the lead thirteen minutes later with a great left-footed finish after a collective play that he himself initiated.
The 27-year-old forward not only provided efficiency in front of goal, but also mobility and connection with his teammates, offering the performance that Brazil needed to regain confidence in attack.
Before the break the third goal arrived. Vinícius Jr., one of the figures of the match, culminated a long Brazilian possession with a subtle finish after receiving a filtered pass from Lucas Paquetá. The Real Madrid attacker thus scored his second goal in the World Cup.
The only worrying note for Brazil was the early departure of Raphinha. The Barcelona winger left the field of play in the 40th minute due to discomfort in his right thigh, a situation that will be evaluated by the medical team in the coming hours.
Ancelotti highlighted his team’s improvement compared to the debut and especially valued the efficiency shown in the final meters.
The Italian coach introduced two changes to the starting lineup, opting for Cunha at the front and Danilo at right back, decisions that ended up paying off in a night of absolute dominance for the South American team.
The Brazilian fans also had reasons to celebrate Endrick’s entry. The young 19-year-old forward made his debut in a World Cup and even scored a goal that was later disallowed for offside.
Brazil will close the group stage next Wednesday against Scotland in Miami in a match that could define the leadership of Group C. For that match, the Seleção hopes to have Neymar again, who is in the final stretch of recovery from a right calf injury.
Haiti, for its part, will play its last match of the tournament against Morocco. Despite the elimination, coach Sébastien Migné highlighted the experience acquired by his players and assured that it will serve as learning for the future.
With Cunha inspired, Vinícius determined and Neymar increasingly close to returning, Brazil seems to have found its way just as the World Cup begins to enter its decisive phase.
