Vinícius Júnior continued his successful FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign by writing his name in Brazilian football history during the Seleção’s 3-0 win over Scotland. The Real Madrid player scored twice in Miami to become the first Brazilian player in 24 years to score in three World Cup matches, equaling the feats of Ronaldo Nazário and Rivaldo in Brazil’s 2002 triumph.The win also took Vinícius to four goals in the tournament, putting him among the contenders for the Golden Boot as Brazil advanced to the Round of 32 as Group C winners.
Vinícius joins a special list of Brazilian legends
Brazil have produced some of the best World Cup players ever, but only five players have managed to score in each of the country’s three competitions in a single tournament.Vinícius has now joined Jairzinho (1970), Romário (1994), Ronaldo (2002) and Rivaldo (2002) on this special list, becoming the first Brazilian in nearly a quarter of a century to achieve the feat.His incredible consistency has come throughout the club’s campaign in Brazil. He opened his game account by saving a 1-1 draw against Morocco before scoring and providing an assist during Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti. Against Scotland, he produced his best performance, scoring twice to complete the record-breaking feat.
Scotland were punished by Vinícius’ medical completion
Brazil needed just seven minutes to establish control in Miami. Pushing Scotland to the top of the pitch, Vinícius capitalized on a loose ball from Scott McKenna, picked up a loose ball inside the penalty area and calmly headed past Angus Gunn to give Brazil the lead.
Brazil’s Vinicius Junior (7) celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Scotland and Brazil in Miami Gardens, Fla., Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
They thought they had increased the advantage midway through the first half after another move, only for VAR to rule out the goal due to a foul by Marquinhos in the build-up.The second goal came midway through the first half. After Bruno Guimarães regained possession from a slightly closed corner, he delivered an inviting cross to the far post. Vinícius timed his move well, rose above his marker and curled a low header past Gunn to put Brazil firmly in the lead before half-time.
Vinicius Junior (7) of Brazil scores his team’s second goal during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Scotland and Brazil in Miami Gardens, Fla., Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Matheus Cunha added Brazil’s third goal in the 60th minute to complete the win, as Neymar made his long-awaited return from injury to make his first World Cup appearance since Brazil’s quarter-final loss to Croatia in Qatar four years ago.
Brazil finished the group stage undefeated
The win secured first place in Group C as Brazil ended their group campaign unbeaten with seven points, following a 1-1 draw against Morocco and back-to-back 3-0 wins over Haiti and Scotland.Vinícius was very important in the game. In three games he scored four goals and registered an assist, taking Brazil to 13 international goals in 52 games.His performance has also changed the race for the Golden Boot. Lionel Messi currently leads the way with five goals against Austria, while Vinícius has four along with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, ensuring the title race will remain one of the talking points going forward.Brazil will now enter the Round of 32 with great interest, Vinícius is under Carlo Ancelotti and continues to place himself alongside some of the best players in the history of the Seleção’s World Cup.
