Vinícius Júnior continued his outstanding campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by writing his name in Brazilian football history during the Seleção’s 3-0 win over Scotland. The Real Madrid forward scored twice in Miami to become the first Brazilian player in 24 years to score in all three World Cup group stage games, equaling the feat last achieved by Ronaldo Nazário and Rivaldo during Brazil’s triumphant 2002 campaign.The gamble also took Vinícius to four goals at the tournament, placing him firmly among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot as Brazil progressed to the last 16 as Group C winners.
Vinícius joins an exclusive list of Brazilian legends
Brazil has produced some of the best World Cup strikers the game has ever seen, yet only five players managed to score in each of the nation’s three group stage games in a single tournament.Vinícius has now joined Jairzinho (1970), Romário (1994), Ronaldo (2002) and Rivaldo (2002) on that exclusive list, becoming the first Brazilian in nearly a quarter of a century to achieve the milestone.His incredible consistency has been present throughout Brazil’s group stage campaign. He opened his tournament account by saving a 1-1 draw against Morocco before scoring and assisting during Brazil’s comfortable 3-0 win over Haiti. Against Scotland, he produced his best game to date, scoring twice to complete a record-breaking run.
Scotland punished by Vinícius’ clinical finish
It took just seven minutes for Brazil to take control in Miami. Pressing Scotland high up the pitch, Vinícius capitalized on Scott McKenna’s errant pass, picked up a loose ball in the box and calmly slotted low past Angus Gunn to give Brazil an early 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, Florida, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
He thought he had doubled the lead midway through the first half after another fluid move, only for VAR to rule out a goal for a foul on Marquinhos in the build-up.The second goal eventually arrived deep in stoppage time in the first half. After Bruno Guimarães regained possession from a partially deflected corner, he sent an inviting cross towards the far post. Vinícius timed his move perfectly, rose above his marker and sent a downward header past Gunn to put Brazil firmly in control before the interval.
Brazil’s Vinicius Junior (7) 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 victory, while Neymar made a long-awaited return from injury as a second-half substitute, appearing in a World Cup match for the first time since Brazil’s quarter-final defeat by Croatia in Qatar four years ago.
Brazil finished the group undefeated
The win secured top spot in Group C as Brazil ended their group stage unbeaten run with seven points, following a 1-1 draw against Morocco and back-to-back 3-0 wins over Haiti and Scotland.Vinícius was central to that race. In three games, he scored four goals and registered an assist, taking his Brazilian total to 13 international goals in 52 appearances.His performances also reshaped the Golden Boot race. Lionel Messi currently leads the tournament with five goals after his brace against Austria, while Vinícius moved up to four alongside Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, ensuring the race for the tournament’s top scorer remains one of the defining stories ahead of the knockout rounds.Brazil now enter the Round of 16 with considerable momentum, with Vinícius emerging as the focal point of Carlo Ancelotti’s attack and continuing to line up alongside some of the greatest goalscorers in the Seleção’s World Cup history.
