Cunha double fires Brazil to a first World Cup win and top of Group C
What happened
Brazil claimed their first win of the 2026 World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Haiti in Philadelphia on June 19, Matheus Cunha scoring twice and Vinícius Júnior adding a late third. Cunha forced in the opener after Vinícius's effort was saved, then drilled a left-footed finish at the near post, before Vinícius rolled in the third in stoppage time, according to ESPN and Al Jazeera.
The result lifted Brazil to the top of Group C on goal difference and confirmed Haiti's elimination, making them the first team guaranteed not to reach the knockout round.
Why it matters
The performance steadied a campaign that had opened with questions after a 1-1 draw against Morocco, and rewarded a selection call by Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian dropped Igor Thiago for Cunha, and the Manchester United forward repaid him with both first-half goals, per Sky Sports.
For Haiti, appearing at a first World Cup since 1974, the loss ended their tournament at the group stage, though their presence in the expanded field had already marked a milestone for the nation.
Context
Brazil arrived under scrutiny after failing to win their opener, leaving little margin in a group that also contains Morocco and Scotland. Ancelotti's reshuffle and a more incisive attacking display addressed that, with Vinícius involved in all three goals through his strike and the rebound that set up Cunha.
The one blemish was an injury to Raphinha, who was forced off in the 40th minute with an apparent hamstring problem, an immediate concern for the Brazil staff.
What to watch next
Raphinha's fitness heads the agenda, with any hamstring issue potentially sidelining him at a decisive stage of the group. Brazil now turn to their final Group C fixture against Scotland knowing top spot — and a potentially smoother knockout route — is within reach, while Morocco's parallel win sets up a contest for first place. Cunha's form and whether he keeps his starting role over Thiago are the other threads to follow.