The Seleção, missing Neymar through injury, produced a dominant first-half display that effectively ended the contest, showcasing their attacking depth under coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Match Summary and Key Moments
Brazil took control early and broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when Matheus Cunha opened the scoring with a composed finish. He doubled his tally in the 36th minute with a clinical strike, putting Brazil firmly in command at 2-0.
Vinícius Júnior capped a superb first half in the 45+3rd minute, slotting home from the left side of the box after a clever assist from Lucas Paquetá. Brazil eased off in the second half, managing the game professionally while creating further chances.
Haiti showed resilience but struggled to create meaningful threats against Brazil’s solid defense, with goalkeeper Alisson called upon only occasionally.
Standout Performances
- Matheus Cunha (Manchester United): Man of the Match with a quickfire brace on his World Cup debut, displaying sharp movement and finishing.
- Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid): Electric as ever, providing the third goal and constant danger on the wing.
- Lucas Paquetá: Excellent creativity in midfield, including the assist for Vinícius.
Raphinha was forced off with an injury scare, adding to Brazil’s cautious approach regarding player fitness.
Tactical Outlook and Group Implications
Brazil lined up in a fluid attacking setup that overwhelmed Haiti’s defense. The victory moves them to the top of Group C ahead of their final group game against Scotland on June 25. Haiti, despite qualifying for their first World Cup in 52 years, exit the tournament after two defeats.
This result highlights Brazil’s strength in depth, even without key players like Neymar, and positions them as strong contenders for a deep run in the competition.
Key Takeaway: A clinical first-half performance from Matheus Cunha and Vinícius Júnior gave Brazil their first win of the 2026 World Cup. With momentum building, the Seleção will now turn their focus to securing top spot in the group while managing fitness concerns ahead of the knockout stages.