NEW DELHI: Brazil bounced back strongly from their opening draw with Morocco by defeating Haiti 3-0 in Philadelphia to climb to the top of Group C and boost their chances of reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage. The result also ended Haiti’s hopes of progressing.Carlo Ancelotti’s side started brightly and had an early goal ruled out for offside after Raphinha found the net. Brazil kept pushing and eventually got the breakthrough when Matheus Cunha pounced on a rebound after Vinicius Junior’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Johny Placide.Cunha struck again soon after, finishing off a fine pass from Vinicius Junior with a powerful effort. His two first-half goals marked the 10th time a Brazilian player has scored at least twice before halftime in a World Cup match, the most by any country. According to ESPN, the last Brazilian to achieve the feat was Neymar against Cameroon in 2014.The comfortable victory gave Brazil four points from two matches, putting them level with Morocco but ahead on goal difference. The five-time world champions are now in a strong position to secure a place in the Round of 32.Brazil will face Scotland in their final group-stage match, while Haiti’s elimination from the tournament was confirmed despite an improved performance in the second half.
