Brazil may be up and running at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but questions remain over whether the five-time champions are performing anywhere near their potential.

A brace from Matheus Cunha and a third goal from Vinicius Jr — all arriving before the break — handed Brazil a 3-0 victory over Haiti in Philadelphia, securing four points from two Group C matches and putting them firmly on course for the last 32.

A half-time fade raises concerns

The Selecao were bright and purposeful in the opening 45 minutes, but their performance deteriorated sharply after the interval. Brazil did not register a single attempt on target in the second half, while Haiti — who became the first team eliminated from the tournament — managed seven shots to Brazil's two.

That kind of statistic is hard to ignore when rivals Argentina and France have been making a far stronger impression in the United States. Brazil's tournament so far has been bookended by an uninspiring 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opener and a second half against Haiti in which they barely threatened.

Ancelotti defiant after the win

Manager Carlo Ancelotti pushed back on criticism at his post-match news conference, describing the overall display as a step forward from the Morocco stalemate.