Vinicius Jr. hits the ground running with Brazil

Vinicius Jr has been instrumental in Brazil’s start to the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The No7 has been directly involved in all four of Brazil’s goals across their opening two matches, surpassing the World Cup attacking returns of legends Romario and Ronaldinho in the process.

As it happens, both Brazilian greats were in attendance as Brazil defeated Haiti 3-0 at Philadelphia Stadium on Friday evening. Vinicius scored one, provided an assist for Matheus Cunha and was also responsible for the shot that led to the rebound from which Cunha opened the scoring.

Over the course of Qatar 2022 and World Cup 2026, Vinicius has now been directly involved in six goals in just six appearances. During Brazil’s iconic run to their fourth World Cup triumph in 1994, Romario also registered six goal involvements, though across eight matches. Ronaldinho, meanwhile, recorded five goal involvements in ten World Cup appearances spanning the 2002 and 2006 editions.

Among Brazilian players to feature at the World Cup this century, only three have contributed more goals and assists than Vinicius: Ronaldo, Neymar and Rivaldo.

“I’ve always felt at home here [with the national team], but before, things just weren’t happening for me,” Vinicius told CazéTV after the win over Haiti. “I was playing well, but the ball just wouldn’t go in, and that can affect your confidence. I came into this World Cup fully focused on playing my game. Fortunately, the goals have arrived, and now it’s about continuing to improve.”

Their defeat of Haiti moved Brazil to the top of Group C on four points, ahead of Morocco on goal difference. Scotland sit third with three points, while Haiti cannot make it out of the group.

“It’s a very important moment,” added Vinicius, who has already picked up the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match award twice. “We played well, scored goals and that helps build confidence in the tournament. I’m focused on achieving great things with Brazil. I want to keep contributing with goals and assists, but my biggest objective is to win the World Cup with Brazil.”

It may be no coincidence that Vinicius is enjoying his best spell in a Brazil shirt under the guidance of the coach who helped elevate him to the highest level at Real Madrid: Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian has made it clear in recent interviews that he prefers a pragmatic approach, adapting his team according to the opposition. Yet one theme remains constant throughout his thinking: finding the best way to maximise Vinicius’ strengths.

“We were able to use Vini a little more centrally, allowing Douglas Santos to provide the width, and it worked very well,” said Ancelotti. “Vini is dangerous not only in one-on-one situations but also when attacking the space behind the defence. When he attacks that space through central areas, he becomes even more dangerous. He scored a goal and came up with an assist. He can change position, and the other players can adapt around him.

“He arrived at the World Cup in excellent shape,” added Ancelotti. “[But] we’re not hoping it will be Vinicius’s World Cup; we’re hoping it will be Brazil’s World Cup.”