The Short Version
As of 19 June, Brazil claimed their first win of the 2026 World Cup, easing past Haiti 3-0 in Philadelphia in Group C. Matheus Cunha, picked ahead of Igor Thiago, scored twice, and Vinícius Júnior closed the account in first-half stoppage time with a goal and an assist. The result eliminated Haiti and gave Carlo Ancelotti some breathing room, with the Seleção topping the group on goal difference alongside Morocco.
The response Ancelotti needed
There was pressure in the air. After the 1-1 draw with Morocco in the opener that drew criticism, Carlo Ancelotti needed a response — and he got one in Philadelphia. The Italian shuffled his side, starting Matheus Cunha ahead of Igor Thiago, and the gamble paid off almost at once, as FIFA’s match report showed. Brazil took some twenty minutes to find their rhythm, but once they did, there was no holding the Seleção back.
Cunha opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, turning home a rebound after a Vinícius Júnior effort. Just past the half-hour, the Manchester United forward showed his quality: played in by Vini Jr, he controlled and lashed a left-footed strike into the corner as he fell away, for his second. In first-half stoppage time it was Vinícius himself who swapped provider for finisher, controlling a Lucas Paquetá pass and slotting home. Three-nil before the break, and the game settled, per ESPN.
Cunha and Vini, the night’s protagonists
Cunha’s brace carried historical weight: he became the third Brazilian to score twice in his first start at a World Cup across the last four editions, joining Richarlison (2022) and Neymar (2014). For a player who came in under doubt, it was a night of vindication.
Vinícius Júnior, for his part, keeps stacking up the numbers of a star: with a goal and an assist, he reached six goal involvements in six World Cup matches, three goals and three assists. That is elite company in the Seleção’s history. In the second half Brazil managed the game: Alisson made an important save, debutant Endrick had a goal ruled out for offside, and Gabriel Martinelli hit the crossbar.
The price of the win and what comes next
Not everything was celebration. Brazil lost Raphinha in the 40th minute to what looked like a right-thigh injury — the forward left the field with ice strapped to his leg, and Neymar is still out with a calf problem. They are absences that weigh in a tournament decided by fine margins, as Sky Sports detailed.
On the other side, Haiti bow out of the World Cup without a point or a goal, battling but outmatched. Brazil, who have reached the quarter-finals at eight straight World Cups, take top spot in Group C on goal difference, level with Morocco on four points. The decider comes in the final round, on Wednesday, against Scotland in Miami. The Seleção can breathe — and, at last, they are starting to move.
Frequently asked questions
How did Brazil vs Haiti end? Brazil won 3-0 at Philadelphia Stadium on 19 June in Group C, with two goals from Matheus Cunha and one from Vinícius Júnior.
Why did Ancelotti start Cunha? After the opening draw, Ancelotti chose Matheus Cunha ahead of Igor Thiago, and the change brought two goals from the forward.
What makes Cunha’s brace special? He is the third Brazilian to score twice in his first World Cup start across the last four editions, alongside Richarlison and Neymar.
How did Vinícius Júnior perform? Vinícius scored a goal and provided an assist, reaching six goal involvements in six World Cup matches.
Was there any bad news for Brazil? Yes. Raphinha went off in the 40th minute with an apparent thigh injury, and Neymar remains out with a calf problem.
What happened to Haiti? Haiti were eliminated and remain without a point or a goal at the 2026 World Cup.
How does Group C look? Brazil and Morocco lead on four points, with Brazil ahead on goal difference; Scotland are still alive on three.
Who do Brazil face next? Brazil face Scotland on Wednesday, 24 June, in Miami, in the final round of the group.
About the author: Rafael Souza is a football correspondent at Canarinho Report, the Brazilian outlet dedicated to the Seleção and FIFA competitions. He has followed South American football and the Brazilian national team on the ground for over a decade. Contact: rafael.souza@canarinhoreport.com.br · LinkedIn: /in/rafaelsouza-canarinho · X: @RafaCanarinho
