Brazil vs Haiti

Brazil came into the match under pressure after a frustrating 1-1 draw with Morocco on Matchday 1, and Ancelotti's decision to start Cunha over teenage sensation Endrick raised eyebrows. The Manchester United forward repaid his manager's faith in spectacular fashion.

Cunha broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute, pouncing on a loose ball inside the box to tap home his first World Cup goal. The strike settled Brazilian nerves, and the Seleção immediately began asserting their authority on the game.

Just 13 minutes later, Cunha doubled the lead with a sublime left-footed strike into the upper left corner after neat build-up play involving Vinícius Júnior, who provided the assist. The celebrations — complete with Cunha's trademark surf-and-slide motion — told the story of a player repaying Ancelotti's faith.

There was still time for more punishment before the break. Lucas Paquetá threaded a pass through to Vinícius Júnior in the 45+3rd minute, and the Real Madrid winger curled a trademark finish past Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide to make it 3-0. The goal, coming in the third of six added minutes, was a psychological dagger for the Haitians just as they looked to regroup at half-time.

Haiti manager Sébastien Migné made a double change at the interval, introducing Wilson Isidor and Dominique Simon to inject energy into a side that had been overrun in the first period. The adjustments stabilised the game, and Haiti enjoyed their best spell of possession in the second half.

The moment of the second period came in the 64th minute when Haiti captain Ricardo Adé rose highest to meet a floated cross with a powerful downward header from point-blank range. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker produced a world-class reflex save to keep it out, with Danilo hacking the loose ball clear. Alisson also denied Isidor late on with a smart save, preserving his clean sheet.

Brazil created chances to extend the lead — Endrick had a goal ruled out for offside in the 78th minute, Douglas Santos fired over from close range, and substitute Éderson squandered a late opportunity — but the 3-0 scoreline reflected a controlled, professional display.

The result, combined with Morocco's 1-0 victory over Scotland in Boston, leaves both Morocco and Brazil on four points. However, Brazil's superior goal difference (+3 compared to Morocco's +1) ensures they sit top of the group heading into the final matchday.

Brazil face Scotland in Miami on 24 June knowing a draw would be enough to secure top spot. Haiti, meanwhile, travel to Atlanta to face Morocco in what is now a dead rubber, having become the first team officially eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Haiti — the Western Hemisphere's poorest nation and a team qualifying for the first time since 1974 — depart with their heads held high after a spirited tournament debut, but ultimately the gulf in class proved too wide against a Brazil side finding its stride at just the right time.

Ancelotti's team selection was the biggest pre-match talking point, and Cunha delivered emphatically. With two well-taken goals and relentless pressing, he made a compelling case to keep his place for the Scotland clash. His partnership with Vinícius Júnior — who scored one and assisted another — looked increasingly dangerous as the first half progressed.

The Barcelona winger was forced off with an apparent injury in the 40th minute, replaced by the young Brazilian talent Rayan. The extent of the issue will be assessed ahead of the Scotland match, but it gives Ancelotti a selection headache on the right flank.

With the game already decided, Alisson Becker reminded everyone why he remains one of the world's finest goalkeepers. His point-blank save from Adé's header was the standout moment of a quiet second half and ensured Brazil's clean sheet remained intact — their first of the tournament.

Brazil face Scotland at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami on 24 June (18:00 local time). A win or draw guarantees top spot in Group C.

Haiti play Morocco at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta on 24 June (18:00 local time), playing for pride after their elimination was confirmed.

Attendance: 68,324 at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Referee: Alejandro Hernandez