Vinicius Double Fires Brazil as World Cup Golden Boot Race Heats Up

Vinicius Junior has four goals and one assist for Brazil after the World Cup group stage

Vinicius Junior has become one of the standout attackers of World Cup 2026 after another decisive performance for Brazil. His first-half double against Scotland helped the Selecao seal a 3-0 win, finish top of Group C, and extend a remarkable run of group-stage dominance.

Brazil finish Group C on top again

Brazil completed their group-stage campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Scotland. The result sent them through as Group C winners and, according to the 24h report, marked the 12th consecutive World Cup in which Brazil have topped their group.

Vinicius set the tone early. He opened the scoring in the seventh minute after Rayan punished a turnover from McKenna, then struck again in first-half stoppage time with a header from Bruno Guimaraes’ cross. A possible third goal in the 22nd minute was ruled out for a foul on Hendry.

Brazil beat Scotland 3-0 at World Cup 2026 to win Group C — Brazil’s 3-0 win over Scotland confirmed first place in Group C. Image: 24h.com.vn.

Four goals, one assist, and influence in every match

After three group games, Vinicius has reportedly recorded four goals and one assist. More importantly for Brazil, he has scored in every match so far and has been central to almost every major attacking moment.

Before Matheus Cunha made it 3-0 against Scotland from another Guimaraes assist, Brazil’s previous goals at the tournament had all carried Vinicius’ fingerprints. That included Cunha’s rebound finish against Haiti after a shot from Vinicius had been pushed away by the goalkeeper.

Vinicius has been carrying Brazil's attack through the World Cup group stage — Vinicius has become the reference point for Brazil’s attack in the group stage. Image: 24h.com.vn.

Level with Mbappe and Haaland in the scoring race

Vinicius is now level with Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland on four goals in the Golden Boot race, while Lionel Messi has scored all five of Argentina’s goals so far. Germany forward Denis Undav has also emerged as a major efficiency story, with three goals and two assists in limited minutes off the bench.

The race remains open because several stars still have one group match left to play. However, with Brazil, Argentina, France and Norway already through, some of the biggest names could be rested before the knockout rounds.

Brazil's attack has repeatedly involved Vinicius during World Cup 2026 — Brazil’s attacking rhythm has repeatedly flowed through Vinicius. Image: 24h.com.vn.

A familiar Brazil omen?

There is also a historical angle. Brazil have previously had players score in every group-stage match in World Cup-winning years: Jairzinho in 1970, Romario in 1994, and Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002. Vinicius has now joined that list of group-stage scorers, raising hopes that this could become another special tournament for the Selecao.

Sources checked: 24h.com.vn report on Vinicius Junior’s World Cup 2026 form, Brazil vs Scotland, the Golden Boot race, and related Brazil World Cup coverage.