Brazil moved top of Group C at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ with a 3-0 win over Haiti, as Matheus Cunha scored twice and Vinicius Jr added a first-half stoppage-time goal to end Haiti’s hopes of progressing.
Played at Philadelphia Stadium on Friday 19 June (21:00 local time), the result saw Brazil edge ahead of Morocco on goal difference at the top of the group. Haiti, meanwhile, remain without a goal at the tournament after two matches.
The match also carried a notable historical marker: Cunha’s double helped Brazil overtake Germany as the highest-scoring country in FIFA World Cup history, reaching 240 goals.
First-half burst decides it as Brazil strike three times
It took Brazil over 20 minutes to break through, but once they did, the five-time champions took control quickly and decisively.
The opener arrived in the 23rd minute and started with Vinicius Jr. His shot was not held by Haiti goalkeeper Johnny Placide, and Cunha reacted fastest to tap in from close range for 1-0.
Brazil doubled their lead just 13 minutes later. After winning the ball in midfield, Vinicius Jr slid a through ball into Cunha’s path, and the forward lashed his finish into the top corner in the 36th minute to make it 2-0.
The third goal came in first-half stoppage time. Vinicius Jr switched roles from creator to scorer, controlling a pass from Lucas Paqueta before sliding the ball under the onrushing Placide in the 45+3 minute for a 3-0 advantage at the break.
Second half: chances for more, but Haiti kept out
After the interval, Brazil managed the game while still finding moments to push for additional goals. Substitute Gabriel Martinelli came close, only to be denied what would have been a spectacular strike by the crossbar.
Endrick also found the net, but the assistant referee’s flag curtailed the celebrations, and the goal did not stand.
Haiti continued to battle in search of their first goal of the tournament, but could not find a way past Alisson as Brazil saw out a comfortable clean-sheet victory.
What the result means in Group C and what’s next
With the 3-0 win, Brazil moved to the top of Group C on goal difference, edging ahead of Morocco. The victory also ended Haiti’s hopes of reaching the next stage in their first FIFA World Cup™ appearance since 1974.
Brazil’s next match is a “crucial showdown” with Scotland in Miami on 24 June. Haiti will face Morocco on the same day, bringing their tournament to a close.
Vinicius Jr was named the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match after contributing directly to all three goals, creating both of Cunha’s strikes and scoring the third himself.
