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Arun - June 19, 2026
Brazil face Haiti at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Friday evening in a Group C match that the five-time world champions simply cannot afford to drop points in.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side drew 1-1 with Morocco on matchday one and now trail group leaders Scotland by two points.
A win here is essential to keep their qualification destiny in their own hands, while Haiti need a result to keep any faint hopes of progression alive. Our Brazil vs Haiti prediction covers the full match in detail.
The biggest story in the Brazil camp remains Neymar. The 34-year-old has been managing a Grade II right calf injury sustained while playing for Santos on May 17 and has not featured for the national team since October 2023.
The Brazilian federation confirmed on Thursday that Neymar will not travel with the squad to Philadelphia and will remain in New Jersey to continue his recovery.
Ancelotti indicated before the Morocco game that the expectation is for Neymar to be available for the knockout stages, but he will miss both group matches against Haiti and Scotland.
There are two further fitness concerns. Gabriel Magalhaes missed training on Wednesday with discomfort in his left adductor, though he is expected to be assessed before kick-off and could still start alongside Marquinhos in central defence.
Raphinha was also seen training separately managing blisters but is expected to take his place in the starting eleven.
Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make changes from the side that struggled against Morocco. Roger Ibanez was hooked at half-time after a difficult evening at right-back, with Danilo coming on as his replacement. Danilo is expected to start here.
Casemiro was also substituted at the break against Morocco, with Fabinho replacing him, though Casemiro is likely to retain his place in the XI.
The bigger question is in attack, where Igor Thiago failed to make an impact as the lone striker. Matheus Cunha, who came off the bench and impressed, is expected to start ahead of him.
While, Alisson, Marquinhos, Douglas Santos, Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius Junior are all nailed on to start.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK: Alisson
Defenders: Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Douglas Santos
Midfield: Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes
Attacking midfield: Raphinha, Lucas Paqueta, Vinicius Junior
Forward: Matheus Cunha
Haiti head coach Sebastien Migne has one confirmed absentee. Midfielder Leverton Pierre has been ruled out of the tournament entirely with a muscle injury. Beyond that, Migne has a clean bill of health and is expected to name a side very close to the one that gave Scotland a difficult evening in the 1-0 defeat on matchday one.
Johny Placide, the 38-year-old captain, continues in goal. The experienced goalkeeper will need to be at his very best against a Brazil attack that carries enormous quality even without Neymar. In front of him, Ricardo Ade and Hannes Delcroix are the expected centre-back partnership, with Carlens Arcus at right-back and Martin Experience at left-back.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde of Wolverhampton Wanderers is Haiti’s most recognisable name and provides the midfield with energy and physicality alongside Danley Jean Jacques. Louicius Deedson and Ruben Providence operate from wide positions.
The main selection question is in attack, where Frantzdy Pierrot, who struggled to make an impact against Scotland, could be replaced by Josue Casimir of Auxerre.
Wilson Isidor of Sunderland, who has two international goals, is expected to lead the line regardless of who partners him. For all our World Cup 2026 tips and predictions throughout the tournament, head to the hub.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK: Johny Placide
Defenders: Carlens Arcus, Ricardo Ade, Hannes Delcroix, Martin Experience
Midfield: Louicius Deedson, Danley Jean Jacques, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Ruben Providence
Forwards: Wilson Isidor, Josue Casimir / Frantzdy Pierrot.
