Matheus Cunha made history with a first-half brace against Haiti in the FIFA World Cup 2026, equaling a Brazilian record for the most occasions a player has scored two or more goals in the first half of a World Cup match.
Record-Breaking Feat
Cunha's performance marked the 10th time a Brazilian has achieved this milestone, the highest for any nation. The last Brazilian to do so was Neymar against Cameroon in 2014, according to ESPN.
Match Overview
Brazil secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Haiti in Philadelphia, propelling them to the top of Group C. This win ended Haiti's hopes of advancing to the knockout stage. After a disappointing 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opener, Carlo Ancelotti's team needed a strong performance. Haiti entered the match with confidence after a spirited display against Scotland despite losing.
Brazil dominated from the start. Raphinha thought he had scored early from Bruno Guimaraes' through ball, but it was ruled offside. The breakthrough came midway through the first half when Vinicius Junior's powerful shot was parried by goalkeeper Johny Placide, and Cunha reacted quickest to force the ball over the line despite desperate Haitian clearances.
Cunha doubled the lead soon after with a clinical finish. He raced onto a perfectly weighted pass from Vinicius and blasted the ball into the roof of the net at the near post, leaving Placide with no chance.
Group Standings
Brazil now has four points from two matches, level with Morocco but ahead on goal difference. They are well placed to secure a spot in the Round of 32. Brazil will face Scotland in their final group match, while Haiti's elimination was confirmed despite an improved second-half display.
