Matheus Cunha produced a record-equalling performance as Brazil cruised to a 3-0 victory over Haiti in the FIFA World Cup 2026. The forward scored twice in the first half to guide the five-time champions to their first win of the tournament and strengthen their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Cunha’s historic first-half brace
Brazil entered the match looking to bounce back from a 1-1 draw against Morocco in their opening Group C fixture. Carlo Ancelotti’s men responded in style, with Cunha taking centre stage.
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The striker opened the scoring after pouncing on a rebound from Vinicius Junior’s effort. He doubled Brazil’s lead soon after, finishing a slick attacking move that once again involved Vinicius. The Real Madrid star then got on the scoresheet himself, adding a third goal before halftime to put the result beyond doubt.
💛💚🥹 Matheus Cunha’s mom in tears of joy after his son scoring goal at the World Cup.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 20, 2026
Beautiful. 😁
🎥 DicadoGordinhoo on Instagram pic.twitter.com/jFe1I4YJ13
Cunha’s brace also secured a place in World Cup history. He became the latest Brazilian to score two goals in the first half of a World Cup match, helping Brazil equal a tournament record. It was the 10th time a Brazilian player had achieved the feat, matching the highest tally by any nation. Neymar was the last Brazilian to do so against Cameroon in the 2014 World Cup.
Brazil take control of Group C
Brazil dominated possession and dictated the tempo throughout the contest. Haiti showed determination but struggled to create meaningful chances against a well-organised Brazilian defence.
Goalkeeper Alisson enjoyed a relatively quiet evening as Brazil comfortably secured a clean sheet. The victory moved the South American giants to four points from two matches, level with Morocco but ahead on goal difference at the top of Group C.
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For Haiti, the defeat confirmed an early exit from the tournament. After losing both of their opening matches, they became the first nation eliminated from the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil will now turn their attention to a decisive group-stage clash against Scotland. A positive result would guarantee qualification for the Round of 32 and further underline their growing momentum in the competition.
