Cunha brace sends Brazil top as Haiti become first team eliminated from World Cup

Brazil climbed to the top of Group C and moved closer to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a convincing 3-0 victory over Haiti in Philadelphia.

Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha starred with two goals as Carlo Ancelotti’s side bounced back from criticism following their opening draw against Morocco.

The result also confirmed Haiti as the first nation to be eliminated from the tournament after suffering a second consecutive defeat.

Cunha leads Brazil’s attacking revival

Brazil took the lead in the 23rd minute through Cunha, although fortune played a part in the opener.

Haiti defender Hannes Delcroix attempted to clear after goalkeeper Johny Placide had parried a shot from Vinicius Junior, only for the ball to ricochet off Cunha and into the net.

The Brazilian forward doubled his tally nine minutes before half-time, racing onto a pass from Vinicius Jr before firing an unstoppable effort into the top corner.

Vinicius then capped an excellent first-half display by adding Brazil’s third in stoppage time. The Real Madrid winger calmly finished after being released by a perfectly weighted pass from Lucas Paqueta.

Injury concern for Ancelotti

The only setback for Brazil came when Raphinha was forced off with an injury before the interval.

The Barcelona winger was replaced by Rayan, leaving Ancelotti awaiting further assessment ahead of Brazil’s final group match.

Despite the comfortable scoreline, goalkeeper Alisson Becker was required to produce a sharp second-half save to deny Ricardo Ade from a corner.

Teenage striker Endrick also thought he had marked his World Cup debut with a goal late on, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Brazil in control, Haiti out

Cunha’s all-round display provided the attacking fluidity Brazil lacked against Morocco. Beyond his two goals, the 27-year-old’s movement and link-up play helped create space for Vinicius Jr and Brazil’s other attacking players.

The victory leaves Brazil level on points with Morocco but ahead on goal difference at the top of Group C.

Brazil will now turn their attention to a decisive clash against Scotland, while Haiti’s World Cup journey comes to an end after consecutive defeats ensured they cannot progress from the group stage.