Brazil moved to the top of Group C with a 3-0 dismantling of Haiti at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, a victory that also made Haiti the first nation mathematically eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. The five-time champions, stung by an opening 1-1 draw with Morocco, needed little more than a dominant first half to secure their first win. All three goals arrived before the interval, with Matheus Cunha converting a 23rd-minute rebound after Vinicius Junior’s shot was parried, then doubling the lead in the 36th with a fierce left-footed finish from Vinicius’s through ball. Vinicius himself added a third deep into first-half stoppage time, running onto Lucas Paqueta’s floated pass and slotting calmly past goalkeeper Johny Placide.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side controlled possession and territory from the outset, pinning Haiti back with quick combinations down the left flank. Raphinha had an early goal disallowed for offside and later missed a chip when one-on-one with Placide. The Brazilian front line looked far more connected than in the Morocco stalemate, with Cunha—one of two changes to the starting line-up—rewarding Ancelotti’s faith. The Manchester United forward became Brazil’s top scorer in the tournament, his two goals taking him level with Vinicius at two apiece. The mood was tempered, however, by Raphinha’s departure with a muscular complaint shortly before half-time, an injury that drew Alisson from his goal to console the distraught winger.

Haiti, appearing at their first World Cup since 1974, competed with heart but were outclassed by an opponent 77 places higher in the FIFA rankings. They set up in a low block but were undone by Brazil’s speed in transition. After the break, the Caribbean side pushed forward more purposefully, and Ricardo Adé forced a sharp reaction save from Alisson with a glancing header from a corner. Yet they never truly threatened a comeback, and Brazil’s second-half substitutions—including the introduction of 19-year-old Endrick—kept the pressure on. Endrick had a goal ruled out for offside, while Gabriel Martinelli struck the crossbar.

The result, coupled with Morocco’s 1-0 win over Scotland earlier in the day, created a crowded top of Group C. Brazil and Morocco sit on four points, but the Seleção lead on goal difference (+3 to +1). Scotland remain on three points, still alive but needing a result against Brazil in the final fixture. Haiti, with zero points and a head-to-head loss to Scotland, can no longer finish above third. Their last match, against Morocco in Atlanta, will be a formality. Ancelotti acknowledged the improvement from the Morocco game but stressed that his team must raise their level further for the Scotland encounter in Miami, where Neymar—absent again with a calf injury—is expected to rejoin the group. For Haiti, the tournament ends as it began: with pride but without points.