World Cup 2026: Brazil Too Strong for Haiti as Ancelotti's Men Respond in Style

Brazil responded emphatically to the pressure of their opening-match setback, cruising to a 3-0 victory over Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday. Matheus Cunha scored twice while Vinicius Junior added another as Carlo Ancelotti's men climbed to the top of Group C and moved closer to securing a place in the Round of 32.

Brazil Take Control Before Half-Time

After being held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in their tournament opener, Brazil arrived determined to make a statement. Haiti, despite losing to Scotland in their first game, entered the contest with confidence following a spirited display.

Brazil signalled their attacking intent early when Raphinha found the net from Bruno Guimaraes' incisive through ball, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

The breakthrough finally arrived midway through the first half. Vinicius Junior's powerful strike was parried by Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide, but Matheus Cunha reacted quickest to bundle the rebound over the line despite desperate defensive efforts to clear it.

Cunha doubled Brazil's lead shortly afterwards, latching onto a perfectly weighted pass from Vinicius before hammering his finish into the roof of the net at the near post.

Vinicius then capped an impressive first-half display by getting on the scoresheet himself. Exploiting Haiti's high defensive line, the Real Madrid forward raced through on goal and calmly slotted past Placide to make it 3-0 before the break.

Brazil's only setback during an otherwise dominant opening half was the injury-enforced withdrawal of Raphinha.

Haiti Improve but Brazil Stay Comfortable

Haiti showed greater attacking ambition after the restart and came close to pulling a goal back through defender Ricardo Ade. His glancing header from a corner forced Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker into a sharp save.

Despite creating fewer opportunities in the second half, Brazil never looked troubled and remained firmly in control of proceedings.

The South American giants thought they had added a fourth goal when Endrick found the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Group C Outlook

The victory takes Brazil to four points from two matches, level with Morocco but ahead on goal difference at the top of Group C.

Ancelotti's side now head into their final group-stage clash against Scotland in a strong position to qualify for the Round of 32, while Haiti's hopes of progressing have officially come to an end despite their improved second-half performance.

(With inputs from ANI)