The 2026 FIFA World Cup is in week one, and the groups are starting to take shape. With just three group games to determine who progresses, every point is important now.
Brazil drew 1-1 with Morocco in their opening game. Brazil must win this match against Haiti if they want to advance in the tournament; their final league match will be against Scotland. If Brazil loses even one more match, their elimination at the group stage will be all but certain. However, Brazil appears to be a very strong team in this fixture, while Haiti seems significantly weaker by comparison.
Haiti has qualified for the FIFA World Cup after a full 26 years; following a 1-0 loss to Scotland in their previous match, winning this game was their only path to qualification. The team will be pinning high hopes on their captain and goalkeeper, Johny Placide, as well as co-captain Ricardo Ade, who plays as a central defender. They will give Brazil a good fight but the quality of Brazil might be too much for them
June 19, 1914. Match at Philadelphia Stadium, Pennsylvania, USA.
Players to watch
| No. | Player | Country |
| 1 | Vinicius Junior | Brazil |
| 2 | Frantzdy Pierrot | Haiti |
| 3 | Matheus Cunha | Brazil |
| 4 | Lucas Paqueta | Brazil |
| 5 | Ricardo Ade | Haiti |
5. Ricardo Ade
Ricardo Ade is the most experienced defender in Haiti. He is strong in the air, a good tackler and reads the game well. Now he is 36, so he plays in a deeper line and uses his positioning rather than pace. He is good with crosses and dealing with dangerous attackers in the box. But a fast, mobile striker such as Cunha could give him problems.
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4. Lucas Paqueta
Lucas Paqueta controls Brazil’s midfield. He can beat lines in one hit and unlock tight defences. He didn’t play well against Morocco, but he has quality. His ability to drift wide for crosses and passes could open things up against a packed-in Haiti defence. He is a threat from set-pieces too.
3. Matheus Cunha
Matheus Cunha didn’t start the first game but made an impact off the bench. He looked like a better fit for Brazil’s style than Igor Thiago. He’s coming off a great club season, fast, strong, good in the air, and flexible in how he plays. He likes to drift wide, which lets Vinicius and Raphinha move central. With Ancelotti not trusting Endrick much, Cunha could be Brazil’s best striker option here.
2. Frantzdy Pierrot
Frantzdy Pierrot is a true number 9; he lives inside the box. He’s not always a big name at club level, but for Haiti, he’s their main player. He moves smartly to lose defenders and is strong in the air. He’s not quick on the ball, but his hold-up play and physical presence help bring his teammates into the game.
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1. Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior is currently Brazil’s best player because Neymar is not yet fully fit, placing the responsibility for the forward position squarely on Vinicius; notably, the only goal Brazil scored against Morocco was scored by him. He is also a top contender for the Golden Boot this year, alongside Kevin De Bruyne, Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi.
FAQ:
- When is the Brazil vs Haiti match?
It’s on June 19 at Philadelphia Stadium, Pennsylvania, USA.
- Will Neymar play against Haiti?
No, he’s back in individual training but still expected to miss this game.
- What happened in Haiti’s first game?
Scotland beat Haiti 1-0 in their opener.
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