Saturday June 20, 2026
Haiti’s World Cup run came to an abrupt end on Friday night, as Brazil’s class and pace proved too much in a 3-0 Group C victory that pushed the five-time champions to the top of the standings.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti set Brazil up in an aggressive 4-3-3, with Raphinha, Matheus Cunha and Vinicius Junior spearheading the attack. The approach paid off quickly for the world No. 6 side, which surged to a 3-0 halftime lead and never looked back.
Brazil controlled the early exchanges and twice saw Raphinha efforts wiped out for offside before Cunha broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute. The Manchester United striker then doubled Brazil’s advantage in the 36th minute, finishing after being played in by Junior and tightening his side’s grip on the match.
Brazil struck again in first-half stoppage time, when Lucas Paqueta slipped a pass through to Junior and the forward made no mistake, drilling in a right-footed finish to put the game beyond reach at 3-0.
After the interval, world No. 82 Haiti showed more ambition and forced Brazil goalkeeper Alisson into two saves, while the South Americans naturally took their foot off the gas after such a dominant opening 45 minutes.
Haiti’s elimination was confirmed earlier in the day after Morocco’s 1-0 win over Scotland, leaving the Caribbean side without a mathematical path to the knockout rounds and making them the first team out of the tournament.
Afterward, Ancelotti said Brazil had taken a step forward.
“I think we played better than in the first game. The quality of our football improved, we created more opportunities and had better defensive control,” the Italian said.
Even in defeat, Haiti coach Sebastien Migne focused on the positives, highlighting both the effort of his players and the importance of the nation’s return to the World Cup stage after a 52-year absence.
“The players showed that they deserved their place at this World Cup,” Migne said. “We must not underestimate what it means for Haiti to return to the biggest stage in world football.”
The result moved Brazil to the top of Group C on goal difference ahead of Morocco, with both teams on four points. Scotland sit third on three, while Haiti remain bottom and still without a point.
Brazil meet Scotland, while Morocco face Haiti, in the final round of Group C fixtures on June 24. Already eliminated, Haiti will still be chasing a first-ever point at a World Cup finals tournament.
