The Seleção return: Brazil must win against Haiti

In 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C, slow-starting Brazil face Haiti at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Friday. Carlo Ancelotti's side are looking for their first win of the tournament, while Haiti target one of the all-time great shocks.

Ancelotti's Seleção looked sluggish in their opener against Morocco. Outplayed by the 2022 semifinalists, Brazil were perhaps fortunate to escape without a loss. Vinícius Júnior criticised the MetLife Stadium pitch, saying the dry surface made it hard to get into Brazil's usual rhythm. Philadelphia won't be cooler, but at least the field doesn't sit atop a hard synthetic surface.

Brazil face Haiti at a World Cup for the first time in 52 years, but their opponents are determined to do more than make up the numbers.

According to SI.com, Brazil should carry their improved second-half display against Morocco into a game against much weaker opposition. Haiti slipped to 85th in the FIFA rankings after the opening round, even falling below New Zealand in the live standings. Still, in their narrow defeat to Scotland, Haiti edged possession and matched their opponents on expected goals (1.05 xG), showing they can at least compete at this level. Ultimately, though, it is a major mismatch that should produce only one winner.

The key issue for Brazil is creative urgency. The side manufactured just one big chance against Morocco; much of that owed to being stifled by a strong opponent, but creating chances more often is crucial. History is one-sided too: Haiti have lost all three previous meetings with Brazil, in 1974, 2004 and 2016. The Seleção scored 17 goals to Haiti's one in those games.

Ancelotti could make changes to his XI. Despite an outstanding Premier League season, Brentford's Igor Thiago underwhelmed on his chance to lead the line and could pay the price. Next in line is Manchester United's Matheus Cunha, who also wears No. 9. Former Real Madrid and Manchester City veteran Danilo could come into the XI; he replaced Roger Ibañez at half-time against Morocco after a first-half booking. Don't be surprised if Lucas Paquetá also drops to the bench.

For Haiti, manager Sébastien Migné has almost no problems. Given how close it was against Scotland, he could pick the same team. The main debate is whether Dallas FC's Louicious Deedson keeps his place on the right flank.

SI.com predict 2-0 to Brazil.

Predicted XIs
Brazil (4-4-2): Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Paquetá, Casemiro, Guimarães, Raphinha; Cunha, Vinícius Jr.
Haiti (4-4-2): Placide; Arcus, Adé, Delcroix, Expérience; Deedson, Jacques, Bellegarde, Providence; Isidor, Pierrot

Source: Sports Illustrated
Image: Sports Illustrated