World Cup 2026 | Brazil 3 - 0 Haiti

Cunha double sends Brazil top of their group as Haiti become first team eliminated from World Cup

Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha scored twice as Brazil eased past Haiti, who became the first side to be eliminated from the 2026 World Cup.

Author | James Y

Stadium | Philadelphia Stadium

Carlo Ancelotti's team responded to criticism following their opening draw with Morocco with an impressive display in Philadelphia. Although the opposition offered little resistance, Brazil moved to the top of Group C with a convincing victory.

Cunha, who replaced Brentford striker Igor Thiago in the starting line-up, opened the scoring after 23 minutes in fortunate fashion when Haiti defender Hannes Delcroix cleared the ball against him and it spun into the net.

The striker had been quickest to react after Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide parried Vinicius Jr's effort, forcing Delcroix into the challenge that ultimately led to the opener.

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Cunha's second was far more emphatic. Vinicius Jr sent him clear and the forward rifled a superb finish into the top corner nine minutes before the break.

Vinicius Jr then added a third in first-half stoppage time. Former West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta clipped a wonderful pass over the top and the Real Madrid forward calmly slotted beyond Placide for his second goal of the tournament.

Almost a perfect night for Ancelotti and Brazil

The only concern for Ancelotti came with an injury to Barcelona winger Raphinha, who was forced off during the first half and replaced by Bournemouth's Rayan.

Brazil goalkeeper Alisson was called into action after the interval, producing an excellent save to deny Ricardo Ade's header from a corner, but the outcome was never seriously in doubt.

Teenager Endrick thought he had marked his World Cup debut with a goal, only for the offside flag to deny him late on.

First team to officially be eliminated

Defeat means Haiti are certain to finish bottom of Group C and become the first nation to exit the tournament. They can no longer catch Brazil or Morocco and, although they could still finish level on points with Scotland, Steve Clarke's side hold the superior head-to-head record.