Haiti Exit World Cup After 3-0 Defeat to Brazil
Haiti became the first team to be eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 3-0 loss to Brazil on Saturday. The Caribbean side had earlier lost 1-0 to Scotland, leaving them with zero points from two group matches. Even a victory in their final group game against Morocco would not be enough to advance, as they can only reach a maximum of three points.
Brazil's Matheus Cunha scored twice, with Vinicius Junior also finding the net, as the five-time champions secured a convincing win. Vinicius set up both of Cunha's goals before being forced off with an apparent leg injury in the 40th minute. The victory improved Brazil's standing in Group C, lifting them to four points, ahead of Morocco on goal difference.
Haiti's elimination was confirmed after Morocco's 1-0 win over Scotland earlier on Friday. Despite the result, Haiti showed determination throughout the match, with centre-back Ricardo Ade coming close to scoring in the second half, forcing a save from Brazil goalkeeper Alisson.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti made two changes to his starting lineup, including bringing in Cunha for Igor Thiago. The Brazilian attack looked more cohesive than in their opening draw against Morocco, though they faced a less formidable opponent. Haiti, making their second World Cup appearance and first since 1974, defended resolutely for much of the first half before Brazil found the breakthrough.
Vinicius opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, cutting inside from the left and firing a shot that goalkeeper Johny Placide could only parry. Hannes Delcroix attempted to clear but Cunha pressured and forced the ball over the line. Cunha scored again in the 36th minute after a counter-attack, finishing into the top corner. Vinicius added a third in stoppage time before half-time, running onto a ball from Lucas Paqueta and finishing past Placide.
Brazil's Raphinha had a goal disallowed for offside and missed another clear chance before being substituted due to injury. The win puts Brazil in a strong position to advance to the knockout stages, while Haiti will play their final match against Morocco with pride at stake.
