Carlo Ancelotti, head coach of Brazil, reacts during the group C match between Brazil and Haiti at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia, the United States, June 19, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti praised his team's improved performance after a 3-0 victory over Haiti on Friday, but insisted there is still room for improvement as the five-time world champions prepare for their final Group C match against Scotland.

Matheus Cunha scored twice and Vinicius Junior added another as Brazil secured its first win of the tournament and placed on top of Group C.

"I think we played better than in the first match," Ancelotti said after the game. "The quality of our football improved. We created more opportunities, were more effective in attack and had better defensive control."

The Italian coach highlighted Brazil's collective display and defensive organization, saying the team looked more composed than in its opening 1-1 draw with Morocco.

Ancelotti also praised Cunha's performance but stopped short of guaranteeing the forward a permanent place in the starting lineup, noting his ability to play in different attacking roles.

The coach also credited Brazil's midfield trio of Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta for giving the team better balance and control.

Despite the comfortable victory, the 67-year-old acknowledged that Brazil still has areas to improve after having two goals ruled out for offside.

"We have to stay calm, continue working and find the right adjustments in the coming days," he said.

Brazil's intensity dropped after taking a three-goal lead before halftime, but Ancelotti dismissed suggestions that his players were conserving energy for future matches.

"I don't think it was a physical issue," he said. "The level of competitiveness was perhaps not the same as in the first half, but that is normal in football."

Looking ahead, Ancelotti insisted his team remains focused on its final group-stage match against Scotland rather than the knockout rounds.

"We are not thinking about the next stage," he said. "We are thinking about Scotland. We want to improve, win the game and try to finish first in the group."

Ancelotti also expressed confidence in Brazil's ability to compete with the tournament's leading contenders.

"I believe we can compete with any team," he said. "Whether it is Haiti or France, we have the quality to compete."

Brazil will face Scotland on June 24. The five-time world champions currently sit top of Group C on goal difference ahead of Morocco and will try to secure first place in the group heading to the knockout stage.