Brazil rolled through group play at the 2026 World Cup, and Vinicius Jr. made history doing it. The Real Madrid star scored in all three group stage matches, a feat no Brazilian had pulled off since Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002.
His latest goal came just seven minutes into Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Scotland in Miami Gardens. Scotland defender Scott McKenna coughed up the ball in a dangerous spot, and Vinicius made him pay. That early strike was enough to etch his name into the record books, but he wasn’t done.
Vinicius added another in first-half stoppage time — his second goal of the match — after having one wiped out by VAR earlier. It didn’t matter. He kept pushing, kept creating, and Brazil kept scoring.
Matheus Cunha put the game away in the 60th minute, but the story was Vinicius. He became the first Brazilian since the 2002 golden generation to score in every group stage game. ESPN FC pointed out the last guys to do it were R9 and Rivaldo themselves.
Brazil opened the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Morocco, where Vinicius scored the lone goal. Then came a 3-0 win over Haiti where he had a goal and an assist while Cunha bagged a brace. Wednesday’s win gave Brazil a 2-1-0 record and top spot in Group C.
It’s been a statement tournament for Vinicius so far. He’s carrying the attacking load for a Brazil side that hasn’t always looked dominant, but has found ways to win. The knockout rounds start now, and the pressure shifts. Brazil hasn’t won a World Cup since 2002. Vinicius is doing his part to change that.
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