Brazil produced a commanding performance to secure their first victory of the FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating Haiti 3-0 at Lincoln Financial Field, Seattle to move to the top of Group C.
A first-half masterclass from Carlo Ancelotti’s men saw Matheus Cunha score twice, while Vinícius Júnior crowned an outstanding display with a goal and two assists as the five-time world champions climbed above Morocco on goal difference, with both nations sitting on four points after two matches.
Backed by a passionate Brazilian crowd in Philadelphia, the Seleção imposed themselves from the opening whistle with quick, incisive attacking football that immediately put Haiti under pressure.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 23rd minute. After weaving past a defender inside the penalty area, Vinícius Júnior unleashed a powerful effort that goalkeeper Johny Placide could only parry into the path of Matheus Cunha, who reacted quickest to bundle home the rebound despite pressure from a Haitian defender.
Brazil doubled their advantage in the 36th minute following another brilliant attacking move.
Lucas Paquetá won possession in midfield before feeding Vinícius Jr, whose perfectly weighted assist found Cunha inside the box. The striker made no mistake, firing a powerful left-footed finish beyond Placide to complete his brace.
Brazil’s dominance continued as Haiti struggled to create any meaningful opportunities before halftime.
The third goal arrived just before the break and was thoroughly deserved for Vinícius Jr, who had been Brazil’s most influential player throughout the opening 45 minutes.
Receiving another precise pass from Paquetá, the Real Madrid forward outran the Haitian defence before calmly slotting the ball past Placide to make it 3-0.
The goal capped a sensational first-half performance that saw Vinícius directly contribute to all three Brazilian goals.
With a comfortable lead established, Brazil eased their tempo after halftime but continued to create chances.
Raphinha, who had earlier seen a goal ruled out for offside, was replaced before the interval by Rayan, while Endrick also had a second-half goal disallowed after another offside decision.
Brazil came close to adding a fourth when Gabriel Martinelli struck the crossbar following an exquisite backheel assist from Vinícius Jr.
Haiti showed greater attacking intent during the second half and managed to test Alisson Becker, who produced three solid saves to preserve Brazil’s clean sheet.
However, the South American giants remained firmly in control and comfortably saw out the contest to secure a convincing victory.
The victory lifts Brazil to the top of Group C with four points, edging Morocco on superior goal difference after the Atlas Lions’ earlier 1-0 victory over Scotland.
Brazil will now turn their attention to a decisive final group-stage encounter against Scotland in Miami, while Haiti face a must-win fixture to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds alive.
Credit Photo : CBF
