A Cunha brace sends Brazil on top as Haiti become the first team to be eliminated from the World Cup

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

Manchester United striker Matheus Cunha scored twice as Carlo Ancelotti’s side bounced back from criticism after their opening draw against Morocco.

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

Cunha leads Brazil’s offensive recovery

Brazil took the lead in the 23rd minute through Cunha, although luck was part of the first match.

Haiti defender Hannes Delcroix attempted to clear after goalkeeper Johny Placide blocked Vinicius Junior’s shot, only for the ball to bounce off Cunha and into the net.

The Brazilian forward doubled his tally nine minutes before half-time, racing onto Vinicius Jr’s pass before firing unstoppably into the top corner.

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

Concerns over Ancelotti’s injury

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

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

Despite the comfortable result, goalkeeper Alisson Becker had to make a sharp save in the second half to keep out Ricardo Ade from a corner.

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

Brazil in control, Haiti out

Cunha’s all-round display provided the attacking fluidity Brazil lacked against Morocco. Apart from his two goals, the 27-year-old’s movement and connection helped create space for Vinicius Jr. and other Brazilian attackers.

The win 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 the decisive clash against Scotland, while Haiti’s World Cup journey comes to an end after back-to-back defeats ensured they could not progress from the group stage.