2026 World Cup: Cunha at the double as Brazil beat Haiti to go top of group

Brazil recorded their first win of the 2026 FIFA World Cup thanks to a first-half brace from Matheus Cunha and a goal from Vinicius Junior, eliminating Haiti in the process despite still having one game left to play.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side took the lead at the Philadelphia Stadium after 23 minutes thanks to some poor goalkeeping and a slice of good fortune.

Vinicius Junior cut inside from the left-hand side before rifling an effort at Johny Placide, who parried it straight into the path of both Matheus Cunha and Haiti defender Hannes Delcroix, with Delcroix firing his clearance against Cunha and into the back of the net.

Whilst Cunha’s first goal might have been somewhat fortuitous, there was nothing lucky about his sensational second.

Vinicius played a fantastic through ball into the path of the Manchester United man, who unleashed an unstoppable strike past Placide and into the top corner.

Ancelotti’s side were dealt a blow five minutes from the break, however, when Raphinha pulled up with an injury and had to be replaced.

Brazil netted a third in first-half stoppage time, and it was another superb goal from the Selecao.

Lucas Paqueta, from his own half, lifted a fabulous pass over the top of the high Haitian defensive line, where Vinicius Junior was waiting before latching onto it and slotting calmly past the goalkeeper.

It took until the 76th minute for Brazil to attempt their first shot of the second half, and they really should have made it count. Substitute Rayan poked the ball out to the left-hand side to the onrushing Douglas Santos, who could only blaze his effort over the bar.

Haiti, who are still yet to score at this edition of the World Cup, were unable to muster any sort of comeback and have been eliminated from the competition, despite still having one game left to play, with Sebastian Migne’s side taking on Morocco on matchday three.

Victory for Brazil sent them top of the group ahead of their final group-stage match against Scotland on Wednesday.