Brazil secured a 3-0 victory over Haiti in Philadelphia, but the performance left plenty of room for concern heading into their next fixture.
Matheus Cunha scored twice and Vinicius Jr added a third before half-time, giving the Selecao a comfortable first-half lead at the Philadelphia Stadium.
However, Brazil failed to register a single attempt on target after the break, as the game drifted away from their control.
Haiti, who became the first team eliminated from the 2026 World Cup, managed seven shots in the second half compared to Brazil’s two.
The result means Brazil have four points from two Group C games, following their 1-1 draw with Morocco in New Jersey in their opening match.
Rivals Argentina and France have both impressed on American soil, heaping pressure on Brazil to find a higher level as the tournament progresses.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti, appointed in May 2025 to end Brazil’s long wait for a sixth world title, was defiant in his post-match assessment of the display.
“We were much better first half. In the second half, they had little bit more control, but we had opportunities to score more goals. All in all it was a good match,” the Italian said.
Ancelotti was pressed on whether Cunha would retain his central striking role against Scotland in Miami next Wednesday, offering a characteristically measured response.
“I think that Matheus’ position was a good position for creating problems for the defence. And he filtered his passes very well, and his position was a good position to be effective at the front,” the manager explained.
“It can be an option. We discussed this yesterday. I don’t want a clear identity. Maybe we will change this on the next match,” he added.
Ancelotti also warned against underestimating Scotland, stressing that finishing top of the group remains an important priority for the squad.
“Scotland can create a problem. They created problems to Morocco. And so we have to focus on the match and be calm and keep on working to improve,” he said.
Vinicius Jr now has six goal involvements across six World Cup appearances, with three goals and three assists underlining his importance to this Brazil side.
One of the most significant developments of the evening was the news surrounding Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, who did not travel to Philadelphia.
The 34-year-old has not played for his country since October 2023 and has been managing a calf problem throughout the tournament buildup.
Ancelotti confirmed the former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain forward would be available for the Scotland match after returning to individual training the following day.
“Yes, he will be training tomorrow individually and then on Monday with the team. He will be available for Scotland,” Ancelotti confirmed.
European football expert James Horncastle offered cautious optimism about Neymar’s potential return to the squad.
“This is a player that is hard to get on the pitch. Just by the way he plays, he invites tackles. But back Carlo to be the one person to make this work because one of his super-powers is his ability to create a group out of superstars and get everyone on the same page,” Horncastle said.
French football expert Julien Laurens took a far less forgiving stance, questioning whether Neymar merits his place in the squad at all.
“I don’t really think he deserves to be there on the recent performances that he has had and his behaviour and attitude on and off the pitch,” Laurens said.
Brazil also face a fitness concern after Raphinha, their top scorer in World Cup qualifying with five goals, was forced off with an injury in the 40th minute.
On a brighter note, 19-year-old Endrick made his World Cup debut, receiving a standing ovation when he came on for Cunha in the 64th minute.
The teenager became the seventh-youngest player to represent Brazil at a World Cup, though he had a goal disallowed and managed just eight touches in a muted cameo.
Brazil have now scored three or more goals in a World Cup match on 41 occasions, five more than any other nation in the tournament’s history.
They have also surpassed Germany as the leading scorers in World Cup history, with 241 total goals to Germany’s 239, a milestone that drew warm celebration among the yellow-clad faithful in Philadelphia.
