Brazil vs Haiti team news: Vinícius starts as Brazil lead 3-0 in Philadelphia

Match snapshot: who, what, when and why it matters

Brazil face Haiti in Matchday 2 of World Cup Group C at Philadelphia Stadium on 20 June 2026, and the latest team news confirms Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior in the Brazil starting XI while Neymar remains absent as he continues rehabilitation. The Seleção—after a 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opener—are under pressure to claim their first win; match data shows Brazil leading Haiti 3-0 in the second half, a result that would significantly ease that pressure if it holds.

Confirmed lineups and key absences

Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil side took the field with a strong-looking starting eleven despite Neymar's absence from the squad. World Soccer Talk published the confirmed Brazil lineup and Haiti's selection ahead of kick-off.

• Brazil confirmed lineup: Alisson; Roger Ibaínez, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá; Vinícius Júnior, Igor Thiago, Rapinha.
• Haiti confirmed lineup: Johny Placide; Carlens Arcus, Romain Adé, Houboulang Mendes Delcroix; Martin Expérience, Jean-Kevin Duverne; Jeff Bellegarde, Danley Jean Jacques; Ruben Providence, Frantzdy Pierrot, Josue Casimir.
• Neymar did not travel to the pitch and remained at Brazil's base in New Jersey to continue rehabilitation, per the team update in the pre-match report.

How the game has unfolded so far

Brazil arrived in Philadelphia needing a dominant performance after drawing 1-1 with Morocco. Haiti—who lost 1-0 to Scotland in their opener—arrived with no fresh injury or suspension problems, according to the pre-match coverage. Match data indicates Brazil have opened a clear advantage and lead 3-0 in the second half, putting them on course for their first three points in the group if the scoreline holds.

Tactical note: Vinícius as focal point, Haiti's approach

With Neymar absent, Vinícius Júnior was positioned as the focal point of Brazil's frontline in the confirmed XI. The pre-match analysis noted Brazil's need for a decisive attacking display to avoid a difficult final round of group matches; Haiti were described as a compact, transition-minded side capable of creating chances on the break, having generated opportunities in their narrow defeat to Scotland.

• Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup, Group C – Matchday 2.
• Venue: Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, USA.
• Kickoff (UTC): 2026-06-20 00:30 (per match data).
• Confirmed Brazil starters include Vinícius Júnior and Alisson; Neymar absent (in New Jersey for rehabilitation).
• Confirmed Haiti starters include Johny Placide; Haiti reported no new injuries or suspensions.
• Match status (per match data): Brazil leading Haiti 3-0 in the second half.

What happens next

If Brazil maintain the 3-0 advantage recorded in the second half, it would secure their first win of the tournament and relieve some immediate pressure on Ancelotti's side ahead of the final round of group fixtures. Haiti will need to regroup quickly; while they showed defensive discipline in the opening match, they will have to find more in attack in order to challenge Brazil before the group stage concludes. Full match details—scorers, timings and post-match reaction—are not provided in the supplied sources and should be checked against an official match report for confirmation.