Matheus Cunha Scores Twice as Brazil Thrash Haiti, Go Top of Group C at FIFA World Cup 2026

Matheus Cunha netted a brace as Brazil bounced back from their opening draw to defeat Haiti convincingly and climb to the top of Group C. The result also confirmed Haiti's elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026.

FIFA WC: Cunha double powers Brazil past Haiti, sends five-time champions top of Group C (Image Source: IANS)

Matheus Cunha struck twice as Brazil responded emphatically to criticism following their opening-game draw with Morocco, cruising to a comfortable victory over Haiti in Philadelphia and moving to the top of Group C on goal difference at the Philadelphia Stadium.

The win also confirmed Haiti as the first team to be eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a second straight defeat. Brazil, meanwhile, looked far sharper and more fluid under Carlo Ancelotti, with Cunha's movement and finishing providing the spark that was missing in the 1-1 draw against Morocco. Cunha, making his first World Cup start, justified his selection ahead of Brentford striker Igor Thiago with a full-blooded attacking display. Often dropping deep to link play, the 27-year-old created space for Vinicius Jr and Raphinha, while also being a constant goal threat himself.

FIFA Wordl Cup: Matheus Cunha struck twice as Brazil responded emphatically to criticism following their opening-game draw with Morocco, cruising to a comfortable victory over Haiti in Philadelphia and moving to the top of Group C on goal difference at the Philadelphia Stadium.

Haiti showed occasional resistance after the interval and nearly pulled one back when Ricardo Ade rose highest from a corner, only for Brazil goalkeeper Alisson to produce an excellent save. Teenager Endrick thought he had marked his World Cup debut with a goal late in the contest, but celebrations were cut short when the offside flag was raised. While sterner challenges await Brazil later in the tournament, the performance offered a timely boost after the scrutiny that followed their opening draw.

Article Source: IANS