World Cup still waits for real Brazil to show up

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. World Cup still waits for real Brazil to show up Figure caption, Cunha scores twice as Brazil beat HaitiByNeil JohnstonBBC Sport journalist in PhiladelphiaPublished1 hour agoThere were reminders of Brazil's glorious past all over the Philadelphia Stadium. Ronaldinho, who was part of team crowned world champions in 2002, was in the crowd, while fans waved replica World Cup trophies in the air in the stands during the 3-0 win over Haiti. Two goals by Matheus Cunha and another lovely finish by Vinicius Jr - all before half-time - ensured Brazil are up and running at this tournament.

A first win, a first clean sheet, fans clad in yellow dancing in the stands. And then you remembered Brazil were facing a Haiti team more than 80 places below them in Fifa's world rankings. That the Selecao were so flat after half-time that they failed to register an attempt on target in the second half.

The Details

That Haiti, who became the first team to be eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after this result, had seven shots to Brazil's two in the second half. While rivals Argentina and France have impressed in the United States, Brazil have struggled to hit top form, and faded after a bright start in Philadelphia. After the uninspiring 1-1 draw with Morocco in New Jersey in their opening Group C game, Brazil have four points from two games and are expected to advance to the last-32 stage.

So why are we still waiting for the real Brazil to show up? Image source, ReutersImage caption, Brazil's eight shots in this match were the joint-fourth fewest on record (since 1966) by any team to score at least three goals in a World Cup gameLast-32 fixtures as they stand Predict every World Cup match 'This was a good match' - AncelottiPhiladelphia was painted yellow as Brazil fans flooded into the city in their tens of thousands. There were many ticketless supporters who travelled large distances to watch the game on television in bars, just happy to be in the same city as their heroes played on the World Cup stage.

Ancelotti struck a defiant tone at his post-match news conference, where the first question was: This was an improvement on Morocco, but what didn't you like about the match? "We were much better first half. In the second half, they had little bit more control, but we had opportunities to score more goals.

What Experts Say

All in all it was a good match," said the Italian, who was appointed in May 2025 to end Brazil's long wait for a sixth world title. It was followed by a question about Manchester United's Cunha: Having scored twice against Haiti, would he remain in the centre-forward role for the next match against Scotland in Miami next Wednesday? "We'll see," added the Italian.

"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. "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.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.