By Eskender Tamrat@eskeFussball

World Cup: Former Bundesliga star returns to Brazil’s lineup for Haiti test

Brazil will hope to record their first win of the 2026 World Cup when they face Haiti on Friday.

Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Matheus Cunha returns to Brazil’s starting lineup for their game against Haiti in Group C of the 2026 World Cup. The former Hertha BSC and RB Leipzig striker was featured off the bench in the uninspiring draw with Morocco as fellow Premier League star Igor Thiago started up front.

Meanwhile, former HSV defender Douglas Santos keeps his place as Brazil’s left-back. Haiti are back on the global stage 52 years after their debut campaign in the then-West Germany. They lost to Poland 7-0 back then, although they did score in defeats to Italy and Argentina. Sébastien Migné’s side started their campaign with a 1-0 reverse against Scotland.

Confirmed Brazil vs. Haiti Lineups

Brazil: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos ©, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Casemiro; Bruno Guimarães, Paquetá; Raphinha, Vinicius Júnior, Cunha

Haiti: Placide ©; Arcus, Adé, Delcroix, Duverne, Experience; Casimir, Jean Jacques, Bellegarde, Providence; Pierrot