Brazil v Haiti – predictions and odds – 2026 World Cup (20 June 2026)

Brazil go into this match needing to put right a first matchday that left more questions than answers. Ancelotti’s side struggled to a 1-1 draw with Morocco, with Alisson saving the day with several key saves. A Canarinha side that, on paper, should be cruising through this group is showing defensive frailty that wasn’t part of the original plan, and that carries more weight when assessing this match than it might seem at first glance.

Haiti, for their part, are making their second World Cup appearance in their history – their first since 1974 – and lost 1-0 to Scotland in their opener. A narrow result that shows Sébastien Migné’s side are no pushovers. They have Wilson Isidor leading the line and a defence that knows how to dig in when needed.

The head-to-head record between the two sides does little to shed light on the current situation: they have only met twice, with Brazil winning both – 7–1 at the 2016 Copa América and 6–0 in a 2004 friendly. But those matches belong to another era, featuring a different Haiti and, above all, a different competitive context. This is a World Cup, with all the pressure and tactical rigour that entails.

The big question mark for Brazil remains Neymar. His return to a World Cup after almost three years’ absence has been hampered by a muscle niggle, and all the signs suggest the coaching staff will manage his minutes with an eye on the later stages of the tournament. That leaves the attacking burden on Vinícius Jr., who needs to prove himself after a lacklustre first match for the national team.

Brazil should see this match through without too many scares, but the feeling following the draw against Morocco is that this team is far from the overwhelming force many had expected. Haiti will defend in an organised manner, will try to cause problems in the opening minutes, and although the gulf in quality is enormous, it does not seem sensible to expect a rout when the opposition have just shown they know how to close down spaces.