NEW DELHI: Brazil bounced back strongly from their opening draw with Morocco to defeat Haiti 3-0 in Philadelphia to top Group C and boost their chances of reaching the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The result also ends Haiti’s hopes of progress.Carlo Ancelotti’s side got off to a flying start and had an early goal ruled out by the backline after Raphinha hit the back of the net. Brazil continued to press and eventually got the breakthrough when Matheus Cunha pounced on the rebound after Vinicius Junior’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Johny Placide.Cunha struck again soon after, finishing a nice pass from Vinicius Junior with a powerful shot. His two goals in the first half marked the 10th time a Brazilian player had scored at least twice before halftime in a World Cup match, the most of any country. According to ESPN, the last Brazilian to achieve the feat was Neymar against Cameroon in 2014.The comfortable win gave Brazil four points from two matches, bringing 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 16.Brazil will face Scotland in their final group stage match, while Haiti have been eliminated from the tournament despite an improved second-half performance.
