FIFA World Cup 2026: Vinicius Jr joins Brazil greats after scoring in first three World Cup matches
Florida, June 25
Brazil forward Vinicius Junior etched his name into the country's football history by becoming the first Brazilian player in 24 years to score in each of his nation's first three FIFA World Cup matches, matching a feat last achieved by Ronaldo Nazario and Rivaldo in 2002, as per ESPN FC's X handle. The 25-year-old's achievement came during the first-half of Brazil's World Cup 2026 encounter against Scotland on Wednesday, June 24.
Vinicius Jr. achieved the milestone when he handed Brazil an early lead in the seventh minute after Scotland failed to deal with the ball at the back. Rayan disrupted Scott McKenna's pass, allowing Vinicius to race through, round Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn, and finish comfortably into the net.
Vinicius had already made his mark in Brazil's earlier matches at the tournament. He scored the equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Morocco in the opening game before finding the net again in a 3-0 win over Haiti.
His goals against Scotland ensured he scored in each of Brazil's first three World Cup fixtures, a feat last achieved by Brazilian greats Ronaldo and Rivaldo during the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan. That year, Ronaldo and Rivaldo both scored in all three group matches against Turkey, China and Costa Rica as Brazil went on to lift their fifth World Cup title.
Overall, Vinicius Jr became only the fifth Brazilian player to score in the nation's first three FIFA World Cup matches, following Jairzinho (1970), Romario (1994), and Ronaldo and Rivaldo (2002), according to OptaPaolo's X handle. Notably, Brazil went on to win the tournament on each of the previous three occasions.
Coming to the Brazil vs Scotland match, Vinicius added another goal in the first-half as Brazil made it 2-0 just before the break when he headed home Bruno Guimaraes' cross at the back post after Angus Gunn misjudged his attempt to collect the delivery.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great achievement, but let’s not forget Scotland had a tough day. That own goal from McKenna really set them back. Vinicius was clinical though—two goals in the first half is world-class. India could learn a thing or two from Brazil’s attacking mindset! 😅
Impressive stat, but I’m keeping an eye on the defense. Brazil conceded against Morocco and Scotland almost pulled something back. Vinicius is great, but the team needs balance. Still, as a neutral, I love watching this Brazil side—pure samba football! 🇧🇷⚽
As someone who grew up watching Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002, this brings back so many memories! 😊 That year Brazil were unstoppable. If Vinicius can carry this form, history might repeat itself. But let’s be honest—Scotland’s defending was shambolic!
Stats like this are cool, but the real test comes in the knockout stages. Remember when Brazil flamed out in 2014? Vinicius has to deliver under pressure. That said, he’s definitely one of the best in the world right now. Great to see such talent shine!
As an Indian football lover, it’s inspiring to see players like Vinicius rise. 😊 He’s only 25—imagine what he can achieve! The fact that Brazil won the tournament each time a player did this before is a good omen. #VamosBrasil 🇧🇷
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