Cunha was the name echoing around Philadelphia as Brazil defeated Haiti 3-0 to climb to the top of Group C, but beneath the comfortable scoreline lies a more intriguing question: have Carlo Ancelotti’s side finally found their rhythm, or have they merely discovered that first halves are easier when Matheus Cunha is in the mood to impersonate a goal machine? Brazil delivered their most convincing display of the tournament so far, while Haiti became the first team eliminated from the 2026 World Cup.
Cunha Delivers as Brazil Take Control
Cunha wasted little time introducing himself to the World Cup spotlight. The Manchester United forward opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with his first-ever World Cup goal before adding a second just 13 minutes later. Both finishes showcased the movement and confidence Brazil had lacked during their opening draw against Morocco, with Vinícius Júnior playing the role of chief creator.
As Haiti struggled to contain Brazil’s attacking transitions, Vinícius added a third goal in first-half stoppage time after a perfectly weighted pass from Lucas Paquetá. The second half felt less like a football contest and more like a carefully supervised energy-conservation exercise. Brazil slowed the tempo, Haiti battled on admirably, and spectators were left wondering whether Ancelotti’s instructions at half-time were, “No unnecessary running unless absolutely required.” Meanwhile, concerns emerged after Raphinha left the field with an apparent injury, potentially complicating Brazil’s plans for the final group match.
Group C Questions Remain Despite Brazil’s Victory
Cunha’s performance offers Ancelotti an important selection dilemma ahead of Brazil’s clash with Scotland. After an underwhelming start to the tournament, Brazil needed a convincing attacking display and found one through a player who entered the competition with relatively modest expectations. The victory moves Brazil level on points with Morocco and into first place on goal difference, placing their destiny firmly in their own hands.
However, not everyone is ready to engrave Brazil’s name onto the trophy. Analysts continue to question the team’s overall cohesion, with concerns that the five-time champions still rely heavily on moments of individual brilliance rather than sustained attacking fluency. The possible return of Neymar for the final group-stage match could transform the dynamic entirely, adding another playmaker to a side that occasionally looks like a luxury sports car still waiting for its navigation system to finish updating.
For Haiti, the defeat marks the end of a remarkable journey rather than a failure. Their return to the World Cup after more than five decades, achieved under uniquely difficult circumstances, stands as a significant achievement in its own right. Despite the elimination, coach Sébastien Migné’s side earned admiration for their resilience and determination throughout the campaign.
Cunha may have stolen the headlines, but Group C remains far from settled. Brazil have rediscovered their scoring touch, Haiti have reminded the world that qualification itself can be a triumph, and Ancelotti now faces the pleasant problem every manager secretly enjoys: deciding whether his newest hero deserves a permanent place in the spotlight. If Cunha continues this form, Brazil’s search for a sixth World Cup title may finally have a new leading man.
