2026 FIFA World Cup: Brazil Cruise Past Haiti to Go Top of Group C

Brazil claimed their first victory of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in convincing fashion, defeating Haiti 3-0 to move to the top of Group C. The result not only delivered the expected three points for Carlo Ancelotti's side but also significantly boosted their goal difference ahead of the decisive final round of group-stage match.
As expected, the opening stages were dominated by Brazilian possession while Haiti looked determined to slow the tempo and frustrate their illustrious opponents. Despite controlling the ball, the five-time world champions initially struggled to break through a compact defensive setup. In fact, Brazil had to wait until the 23rd minute to register their first effort on target.
That moment proved decisive. Vinicius Junior drove into the penalty area and forced a save from the Haitian goalkeeper, but the rebound fell kindly for Matheus Cunha, who reacted quickest to slot home and give the Seleção a deserved lead.
Once the deadlock was broken, Brazil's superior quality began to shine through. The second goal arrived after a slick attacking move, with Vinicius Junior picking out Matheus Cunha inside the box. The striker needed no second invitation, firing an emphatic finish into the top corner to complete his brace.
There was still time for a third before the interval. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Vinicius Junior latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from deep and calmly rounded off the move with a composed finish, capping an impressive first-half display from the Real Madrid star.
The only concern for Carlo Ancelotti came in the form of an injury to Raphinha. The Barcelona winger was forced off before the break, and while the extent of the problem remains unclear, Brazil's medical staff will be anxiously awaiting further assessment ahead of the knockout stage.
With the result effectively secured, Ancelotti used the second half to rotate his squad and hand valuable minutes to several fringe players. Brazil continued to create chances and came close to extending their advantage even further.
Gabriel Martinelli rattled the crossbar after a beautifully constructed team move, while teenage sensation Endrick thought he had added his name to the scoresheet. The young forward celebrated what appeared to be his first goal of the tournament, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
Ultimately, the scoreline remained 3-0, but it was a performance that highlighted the depth and attacking quality available to Brazil. The victory lifts the South Americans to four points and top spot in Group C, setting up a fascinating final-round clash against Scotland.
World Cup 2026
Brazil - Haiti 3:0 (3:0)
Goals: Cunha, 23 (1:0); Cunha, 36 (2:0); Vinícius Júnior, 45 (3:0)
Brazil: Alisson; Gabriel M.; Marquinhos; Danilo; Douglas Santos; Casimiro; Bruno Guimarães (Éderson J., 81); Paqueta (Martinelli, 64); Raphinha (Rayan, 40); Vinícius Júnior (Danilo Santos, 81); Cunha (Endrick, 64)
Substitution: Rayan (from 40); Endrick (from 64); Martinelli (from 64); Éderson J. (from 81); Danilo Santos (from 81)
Bench: Weverton; Ederson; Alex Sandro; Bremer; Pereira Léo; Fabinho; Ibañez R.; Luiz Henrique; Thiago I.
Yellow Cards: Douglas Santos 65
Haiti: Placide; Arcus (Simon, 46); Adé; Delcroix; Expérience; Duverne; Jean Jacques; Bellegarde (Etienne, 81); Providence (Joseph Le., 71); Casimir (Deedson, 62); Pierrot (Isidor, 46)
Substitution: Simon (from 46); Isidor (from 46); Deedson (from 62); Joseph Le. (from 71); Etienne (from 81)
Bench: Pierre A.; Duverger; Thermoncy; Lacroix; Paugain; Sainté; Pierre W.; Nazon; Fortune Y.
Yellow Cards: Arcus 4; Pierrot 45; Jean Jacques 72