Vinicius Jr. Joins Ronaldo and Rivaldo as Only Brazilians to Score in Every Group Stage Match Since 2002

Vinicius Jr. has etched his name next to two of Brazil’s greatest icons. The Real Madrid forward scored in each of Brazil’s three group stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming only the third player ever to do so for the Seleção.

He opened the tournament with Brazil’s first goal in a 1-1 draw against Morocco at MetLife Stadium. Days later, he delivered a goal and an assist in a 3-0 win over Haiti. Vinicius then found the net again in the final group fixture to complete the sweep, matching the milestone last achieved by Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002 - the last time Brazil lifted the World Cup.

With five titles, Brazil remains the most decorated nation in the tournament’s history, but the drought since that 2002 triumph has lasted nearly a quarter century. Vinicius’s consistency - six goal involvements in his last six World Cup appearances - signals that Brazil’s attack may once again be capable of carrying them to the final.