Brazil versus Haiti

Group stage Scheduled Group C
0–0

Brazil

Brazil arrive as five-time champions and the only nation present at every edition of the tournament — 22 in a row. After the 2022 quarter-final shock against Croatia, the federation made a historic move: Carlo Ancelotti became the first foreign manager in Seleção history. The Italian inherits a squad bursting with attacking talent: Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid), Rodrygo, Endrick, and Raphinha. Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães anchor the midfield. Group C with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland looks straightforward, but Brazil cannot ignore Morocco — the 2022 semi-finalists who proved African football has closed the gap. The expectation is hexa: a sixth title, the one missing trophy of the modern Brazilian narrative.

Haiti

Haiti return to the global stage for the first time since 1974, ending a 52-year absence that became one of football's longest aches. The path through CONCACAF qualifying — fueled by a small diaspora-built squad — has been called the greatest achievement in Caribbean football history. Sébastien Migné directs a roster heavy with Ligue 2 and Belgian Pro League players; Frantzdy Pierrot (Bordeaux) provides the cutting edge, with Duckens Nazon adding international experience. Group C with Brazil, Morocco and Scotland is brutal on paper, and survival is unlikely — but for a nation rebuilding after years of political and economic turmoil, simply lining up at the opening whistle is a victory. Every minute of football matters here.

Lincoln Financial Field

Lincoln Financial Field hosts six matches in 2026, including round-of-32 and round-of-16 fixtures. Located in South Philadelphia, the venue opened in 2003 and is shared by the Philadelphia Eagles NFL franchise and the Philadelphia Union MLS side. Capacity for football is approximately 69,200. The pitch is natural grass, requiring no conversion. Climate: Mid-Atlantic summer brings warm-to-hot conditions (28-32°C) with moderate humidity and a meaningful thunderstorm-risk window. Philadelphia is open-air with no climate control. The city's footballing heritage runs deep — Philadelphia Union have been an MLS foundation member, and the metropolitan area's ethnic mix (Italian, Irish, African, Caribbean, Latin American communities) gives Lincoln Financial Field a multicultural supporter base that mirrors many of the visiting nations during the group stage.