Matheus Cunha scored twice as Brazil defeated Haiti 3-0 in Philadelphia to move top of Group C at FIFA World Cup 2026, while Haiti became the first team eliminated from the tournament.
FIFA WC: Cunha double powers Brazil past Haiti, sends five-time champions top of Group C (Credit: X/FIFA Wordl Cup)
Matheus Cunha scored twice as Brazil bounced back from their disappointing opening-game draw with Morocco to beat Haiti convincingly and move to the top of Group C at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Philadelphia on Saturday.
The five-time world champions delivered a far more assured performance under Carlo Ancelotti, with Cunha leading the charge in a result that also confirmed Haiti as the first team to be eliminated from the tournament after suffering a second successive defeat.
Advertisement
Making his first World Cup start, the 27-year-old justified his selection with a standout display, combining intelligent movement with clinical finishing to help Brazil rediscover their attacking rhythm. Cunha’s ability to drop deep and link play created space for Vinicius Jr and Raphinha while also making him a constant threat in the final third.
Advertisement
Brazil took the lead in the 23rd minute when Vinicius Jr’s effort was saved by Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide and the rebound deflected off Cunha before finding the net. The forward then doubled Brazil’s advantage nine minutes before halftime, racing onto a pass from Vinicius Jr and firing a powerful strike into the top corner.
Haiti showed occasional resistance after the interval and nearly pulled one back when Ricardo Ade rose highest from a corner, only for Brazil goalkeeper Alisson to produce an excellent save. Teenager Endrick thought he had marked his World Cup debut with a goal late in the contest, but celebrations were cut short when the offside flag was raised. While sterner challenges await Brazil later in the tournament, the performance offered a timely boost after the scrutiny that followed their opening draw.
Advertisement
