FIVE-time world champions Brazil reignited their FIFA World Cup campaign with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Haiti on Friday, producing the convincing display they required to remain firmly on course for the knockout stages while condemning the Caribbean nation to an early exit.
Following a disappointing 1-1 draw against Morocco in their Group C opener, Carlo Ancelotti's side responded with authority, inspired by Matheus Cunha's first-half double and another influential performance from Vinícius Júnior, who contributed both a goal and an assist before the interval.
AP reported that the defeat ended Haiti's historic first World Cup appearance since 1974, making the tournament debutants the first side mathematically eliminated from the competition.
Cunha, who was surprisingly left out of Brazil's starting line-up against Morocco before appearing only as a late substitute, justified his inclusion from the opening whistle with an outstanding attacking display.
The Manchester United forward opened his World Cup account by reacting quickest after Vinícius Júnior's effort was saved by Haitian goalkeeper Johny Placide, calmly converting the rebound to hand Brazil the breakthrough.
Moments later, Vinícius split the Haitian defence with a perfectly weighted pass, allowing Cunha to fire a powerful left-footed finish high into the top corner beyond Placide to double Brazil's advantage.
Vinícius then completed Brazil's dominant first-half performance by adding a third goal, effectively ending the contest before the interval and ensuring the Seleção bounced back in convincing fashion after their underwhelming opening match.
Brazil also suffered an injury concern after winger Raphinha was forced off during the first half. Earlier, he had seen a goal ruled out for offside.
The match was played before a crowd of 68,324 spectators at Lincoln Financial Field, in Philadelphia where Brazilian supporters vastly outnumbered Haitian fans, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the evening.
Haitian supporters responded passionately by singing "Grenadye Alaso" ("Grenadiers to the Attack"), the traditional rallying cry of their national team.
Brazilian fans answered with a reminder of their country's illustrious footballing history.
"A thousand goals, a thousand goals, a thousand goals, a thousand goals, a thousand goals! Only Pelé, only Pelé!"
Cunha celebrated both goals with his trademark surfing-inspired celebrations, delighting the large Brazilian community in Philadelphia, which is home to nearly 6,000 Brazilian immigrants.
The victory places Brazil in a strong position ahead of their final Group C fixture against Scotland on Wednesday in Miami Gardens, where a positive result would secure progression to the knockout rounds.
Brazil continue their quest for a first FIFA World Cup triumph since lifting their fifth title in 2002.
Meanwhile, Neymar remained unavailable for a second consecutive match after failing to recover from a persistent calf injury. - June 20, 2026
