Cunha scores twice as Brazil beat Haiti

Jack Turner

4 days ago7 min read

Matheus Cunha announced himself on the global stage in emphatic fashion on Tuesday night, scoring a brace to lead Brazil to a comfortable victory over Haiti in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. The Manchester United forward’s clinical finishing was the difference as the Seleção cruised to a win that not only kept their own campaign firmly on track but also officially ended Haiti’s hopes of advancing to the tournament in North America.For the Caribbean side, the result confirmed their status as the first team eliminated from the 2026 World Cup, a bitter pill to swallow after a spirited but ultimately outmatched performance. The match, played at a neutral venue due to ongoing security concerns in Haiti, saw Brazil dominate possession from the opening whistle.Coach Fernando Diniz fielded a strong starting XI, with Cunha leading the line alongside Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when a slick passing move through midfield freed Cunha on the edge of the box.The 25-year-old took a touch to steady himself before rifling a low shot into the bottom corner, leaving Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide with no chance. It was a finish that showcased the composure and technique that have made Cunha a key figure for both club and country this season.Haiti, ranked 86th in the world, refused to buckle after falling behind. They grew into the game in the second half, with forward Duckens Nazon causing problems for Brazil’s backline with his physicality and movement.However, any hopes of a comeback were extinguished in the 67th minute when Cunha struck again. This time, he latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Bruno Guimarães, rounded the onrushing Placide, and slotted home from a tight angle.The goal was a testament to Cunha’s intelligent off-the-ball running and his ability to finish under pressure. Brazil added a third late on through a header from defender Marquinhos, but the night belonged to Cunha.For Brazil, the victory was a necessary step in a qualifying campaign that has seen them face stiffer-than-expected resistance from several CONMEBOL opponents. With this win, they moved into the top four of the South American standings, though the real test will come in their next fixtures against traditional rivals Argentina and Uruguay.Diniz will be encouraged by the fluidity of his attack, particularly the growing understanding between Cunha and Vinícius Júnior. The pair combined effectively throughout the match, and their ability to interchange positions caused Haiti’s defense constant headaches.Defensively, Brazil were rarely troubled, with goalkeeper Alisson Becker enjoying a quiet evening. Haiti’s elimination, while mathematically confirmed, had been looming for some time.The team entered the match with just one point from their first four qualifiers, a 1-1 draw with Jamaica. Their campaign has been hampered by a lack of competitive matches and the logistical challenges of playing home games away from Port-au-Prince.Coach Jean-Jacques Pierre acknowledged after the match that his side had given everything but were ultimately undone by the gulf in quality. “We knew it would be difficult against a team like Brazil,” he said.“But I am proud of the effort. We will learn from this and build for the future.” The focus now shifts to the CONCACAF Nations League, where Haiti will look to regain momentum. Looking ahead, Brazil’s path to the 2026 World Cup appears relatively clear, though they cannot afford complacency.The expanded 48-team tournament means six automatic qualification spots are available for CONMEBOL, but the competition is fierce, with Colombia, Ecuador, and Uruguay all pushing hard. For Cunha, this performance will strengthen his case for a regular starting role.His form at Manchester United has been inconsistent, but on nights like this, he reminds everyone of his immense talent. The question now is whether he can replicate this level against the world’s best defenses.For Haiti, the focus must be on development and ensuring that their next generation of players gets the exposure and support needed to compete at this level. The match also served as a reminder of the widening gap between football’s elite and the rest of the world.While Brazil can call upon a squad packed with Premier League and Champions League talent, Haiti’s roster is largely drawn from lower-tier European leagues and domestic competition. The disparity in resources, training facilities, and competitive experience is stark.Yet, for 90 minutes, Haiti showed heart and organization, and they will hope that their participation in this qualifying cycle, however brief, provides a foundation for future progress. For now, though, the spotlight belongs to Cunha and a Brazil side that, on this evidence, looks ready to make a deep run in 2026.

#featured

#World Cup Qualifiers

#Brazil

#Haiti

#Matheus Cunha

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