Brazil roar back with convincing win
Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil reignited their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over Haiti in Group C on Friday night. After a disappointing opening result, the Seleção found their rhythm at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field, with a dominant display that banished the early tournament cobwebs. Three unanswered goals secured the points and moved Brazil closer to a knockout stage berth, easing the pressure on Ancelotti as he chases football's ultimate prize.
Ancelotti, who has won every major club honour in a glittering career, saw his side struggle to break down a stubborn Haiti in the first half, but the five-time champions upped the tempo after the break. The result leaves them well-placed ahead of a likely group-deciding clash with Scotland, where a win would guarantee top spot in Group C and a theoretically softer last-16 opponent.
Montella's Turkey eliminated after Paraguay defeat
In stark contrast, it was heartbreak for another Italian coach, Vincenzo Montella, whose Turkey side were eliminated from the tournament after a 1-0 loss to Paraguay in Group B. Already reeling from an opening 2-0 defeat to Australia, Turkey needed a result to stay alive but fell behind almost immediately when Matias Galarza struck in the second minute. Despite playing with a numerical advantage for the entire second half after a Paraguayan red card, Turkey could not find an equaliser, leaving them with zero points and no chance of advancing to the knockout stages.
Hakan Calhanoglu and Kenan Yildiz, the Serie A-based stars, were on the pitch for the full 90 minutes but couldn't inspire a comeback. Turkey piled on the pressure, racking up shots and possession, but a combination of poor finishing and heroic defending kept them scoreless for the second consecutive match.
Montella, visibly distraught, later reflected on the cruel nature of the exit.
"It's truly incredible; we put down two high-level performances, making 65 shots towards the goal without being able to score. We didn't concede much, but even that little was capitalised," Montella said via Gazzetta.
"Sincerely, something like that had never happened to me in 35 years of football. It is clear that, in these two matches, fate was not on our side. However, it cannot be said that the spirit, the soul or the will to fight was lacking. The team gave it their all until the last second."
The elimination is a bitter pill for a Turkey side that arrived in North America with high hopes, having impressed in qualifying under Montella. With a talented generation featuring Calhanoglu and young star Yildiz, many tipped them to at least reach the knockout rounds. Instead, they bow out without a point and without a goal, becoming one of the first teams officially eliminated from the tournament.
Turkey's exit also casts doubt on Montella's future, with the Italian having transformed the team's fortunes over the past year but now facing questions over his tactical approach in the crucial group matches.
Quick Facts
Brazil vs Haiti: Brazil 3-0 Haiti (Group C)
Turkey vs Paraguay: Paraguay 1-0 Turkey (Group B)
Ancelotti's Brazil: Bounce back after opening fixture stumble
Montella's Turkey: Eliminated with zero points from two matches
Quoted: Montella calls the exit "incredible" and "never happened before" in his 35-year career
Key Takeaways
- Brazil find form: Ancelotti's side delivered a commanding performance to get their World Cup back on track, easing fears of an early exit.
- Turkey's missed chances: Despite dominating possession and shots in both group games, Turkey failed to score a single goal, suffering a historic drought.
- Italian coaches, opposite fates: While Ancelotti celebrates a crucial win, Montella becomes the first Italian boss to crash out of the 2026 World Cup.
- Knockout landscape: Turkey join the list of early casualties, while Brazil now eye a place in the last 16 with one group game remaining.
Additional reporting from Football Italia.
