Brazil beat Haiti 3-0, close in on knockout stage

KATHMANDU: A brilliant performance from Vinícius Júnior and a clinical double from Matheus Cunha powered Brazil to a commanding 3-0 victory over Haiti on Friday, significantly boosting the five-time champions’ chances of reaching the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Playing in front of 68,324 spectators at Philadelphia Stadium, Brazil dominated Group C action from the outset, controlling possession and creating chances against a spirited Haitian side.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to hand Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha a starting role after using him as a substitute in Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco proved decisive. Cunha rewarded his manager’s faith with two first-half goals, opening his World Cup scoring account in style.

Brazil took the lead when Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide parried a shot from Vinícius Júnior, only for Cunha to react quickest and convert the rebound.

The forward doubled Brazil’s advantage shortly afterward, finishing emphatically from a superb Vinícius pass to give the South American giants a comfortable 2-0 lead before halftime.

Although Raphinha found the net earlier in the match, the goal was ruled out for offside. The Barcelona winger’s evening was further cut short after he was forced off with an injury during the first half.

Vinícius, who scored Brazil’s equalizer against Morocco in the opening match, added his own goal in the 32nd minute, extending the lead to 3-0 and effectively putting the contest beyond Haiti’s reach.

The result leaves Haiti eliminated from knockout-stage contention, making them the first team to be knocked out of the tournament. The Caribbean nation was appearing at its first World Cup since 1974.

Brazil comfortably managed the remainder of the match to secure all three points and strengthen their position in the group standings.

The Seleção, still chasing their first World Cup title since 2002, will conclude the group stage against Scotland on Wednesday in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Meanwhile, Brazilian star Neymar missed his second consecutive match due to a calf injury, raising further questions about his availability for the later stages of the tournament.