Brazil defeated Haiti 3-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Friday night, with Matheus Cunha leading the way through goals in the 23rd and 36th minutes before Vinícius Júnior added a third in first-half stoppage time at Lincoln Financial Field.
That opening-half burst settled the fixture long before the final whistle. Brazil were sharper in possession, more purposeful in the final third, and clinical when the openings arrived. Haiti stayed competitive for stretches and matched Brazil with eight total shots, but the South Americans made their superiority count where it mattered most.
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Cunha opened the scoring, giving Brazil the control their early possession suggested was coming. From there, Brazil increasingly pinned Haiti back, using quick circulation and movement across the front line to stretch the defensive shape.
Cunha struck again in the 36th minute to double the lead and put Brazil firmly in charge. It was the decisive spell of the match, and Brazil did not let up before the interval. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Vinícius Júnior made it 3-0 at 45’+3′, putting the finishing touch on a dominant first 45 minutes and effectively removing any doubt about the result.
The second half was far quieter on the scoreboard, but Brazil still managed the match professionally. With a three-goal cushion, they controlled tempo rather than chasing more goals, finishing with 56.5 percent possession and five shots on target from eight attempts. Haiti showed spirit and had three shots on target of their own, yet they could not find the breakthrough that might have changed the feel of the closing stages.
There was a physical edge at times, reflected in yellow cards for Carlens Arcus at 4′, Frantzdy Pierrot at 45’+4′, Douglas Santos at 65′, and Danley Jean Jacques at 72′. Even so, the contest never drifted away from Brazil tactically. Their compact shape behind the ball and efficiency in transition ensured Haiti were largely kept at arm’s length after the break.
Key performers
Cunha was the standout figure, taking his two first-half goals at 23′ and 36′ with the kind of finishing Brazil needed. Vinícius Júnior was also influential, capping the first-half display with his goal at 45’+3′ and continuing the lively attacking form that has surrounded Brazil’s tournament run. Behind them, Brazil’s control in midfield helped limit Haiti’s ability to build sustained pressure despite an even total-shot count.
NerdSports Stat: Brazil scored all three goals in a 22-minute span from 23′ to 45’+3′, turning 56.5% possession into a decisive first-half lead while both teams finished with eight shots.
The result gives Brazil a strong platform in Group C, moving their tournament record to 1-1-0, while Haiti remain without a point at 0-0-2. Brazil will take confidence from the efficiency of that first-half display as they look ahead to their next fixture, while Haiti now face a must-respond moment if they are to keep any qualification hopes alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Matheus Cunha (23′, 36′) and Vinícius Júnior (45’+3′) scored for Brazil.
Brazil 3 – 0 Haiti.
Brazil strengthened their position in Group C and moved to 1-1-0, while Haiti fell to 0-0-2 and are under pressure in the standings.
Matheus Cunha was the standout performer with two first-half goals.
