FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil Thrash Haiti 3-0, Japan Hammer Tunisia 4-0 as Group Stage Intensifies

The 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered more drama over the weekend as Brazil and Japan recorded emphatic victories to strengthen their positions in the group stage, while several other teams moved closer to securing places in the knockout rounds.

Five-time world champions Brazil bounced back from their opening draw against Morocco with a convincing 3-0 victory over Haiti in Philadelphia. Forward Matheus Cunha starred with a brace as the South Americans showcased their quality against a spirited Haitian side. The result lifted Brazil’s hopes of advancing to the Round of 32 while confirming Haiti’s elimination from the tournament.

Elsewhere in Group C, Morocco edged Scotland 1-0 thanks to an early strike from Ismael Saibari. The victory moved the North Africans closer to qualification and left Scotland needing a positive result in their final group match to keep their hopes alive.

In Group F, Japan produced one of the standout performances of the tournament with a dominant 4-0 victory over Tunisia in Monterrey. Daichi Kamada opened the scoring early before Ayase Ueda netted twice. Junya Ito also got on the scoresheet as the Samurai Blue overwhelmed the North Africans from start to finish. The result took Japan to four points and significantly boosted their chances of reaching the knockout stage.

Tunisia’s second consecutive defeat means they have been eliminated from the competition, with coach Hervé Renard admitting that Japan were superior in every department.

Other notable results from the weekend saw the Netherlands defeat Sweden 5-1 in another Group F encounter, Germany overcome Ivory Coast 2-1 in Group E, while Ecuador and Curaçao played out a goalless draw.

With the group stage entering its decisive phase, several heavyweight nations are now within touching distance of the knockout rounds, while others face must-win encounters in their final group matches.