Brazil secured their first win of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Haiti at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Friday night . Matheus Cunha scored a brace, and Vinicius Junior added another as the five-time champions moved to the top of Group C .
Haiti, making their first World Cup appearance since 1974, became the first team eliminated from the tournament following their second consecutive defeat .
Cunha Breaks the Deadlock
Brazil started the match with intensity, and Raphinha had a goal disallowed for offside in the 12th minute . However, the Selecao didn’t have to wait long for the opener.
In the 23rd minute, Vinicius Junior’s shot was parried by Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide, but Cunha reacted quickest to tap in the rebound and score his first World Cup goal . The Manchester United forward celebrated by flashing his familiar surfing celebration .
Cunha Doubles the Lead
Cunha extended Brazil’s advantage in the 36th minute with a powerful finish. Vinicius slid a pass through the Haitian defence, and Cunha fired a left-footed strike high into the net, giving Placide no chance . He then slid on his stomach and mimicked a swimming motion after his second goal .
Brazil were forced into a substitution minutes later when Raphinha went off injured, with Rayan coming on in his place .
Vinicius Adds a Third
Vinicius got his name on the scoresheet in first-half stoppage time (45+3 minutes). Lucas Paqueta played a through ball to the Real Madrid star, who slotted it past Placide to make it 3-0 .
The three-goal burst in the first half proved enough, as a goalless second half followed. Brazil substitute Endrick thought he had added a fourth, but the goal was ruled out for offside .
Match Context
Brazil, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in their opener, needed a convincing victory to put pressure on the other teams in Group C . The emphatic win lifted them to the top of the standings .
For Haiti, who lost their opening game 1-0 to Scotland, the defeat confirmed their elimination from the tournament . Brazil will face Scotland in their final group match, while Haiti’s campaign comes to an end .
Neymar remained sidelined for Brazil due to a lingering calf injury, missing his second consecutive match .
