Brazil striker Vinicius Jr has etched his name into World Cup history by becoming only the third Brazilian player to both score and assist in two different editions of the tournament. He joins legendary figures Jairzinho and Rivaldo in this exclusive club.
Vinicius Jr's World Cup journey
In the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, Vinicius has already netted two goals and provided one assist. After scoring Brazil's only goal in the 1-1 draw against Morocco, he found the net again in the first half against Haiti and set up Matheus Cunha's 36th-minute strike. Previously, he had scored once in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar against South Korea.
According to Opta, Vinicius joins Jairzinho (who achieved the feat in 1970 and 1974) and Rivaldo (1998 and 2002) as the third Brazilian to accomplish this milestone.
Brazil's dominant win over Haiti
Brazil got their 2026 campaign back on track with a convincing 3-0 victory over Haiti in Philadelphia. The result moved them to the top of Group C, ending Haiti's hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
After a disappointing 1-1 draw against Morocco in their opening match, Carlo Ancelotti's side needed a statement performance. Haiti, meanwhile, had shown spirit despite losing to Scotland.
Brazil showed attacking intent from the start. Raphinha thought he had scored early from Bruno Guimaraes' clever through ball, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
The breakthrough came midway through the first half. Vinicius Junior's powerful shot was parried by goalkeeper Johny Placide, but Matheus Cunha reacted quickest to force the loose ball over the line despite desperate Haitian attempts to clear.
Cunha doubled Brazil's advantage soon after with a clinical finish. He raced onto a perfectly weighted pass from Vinicius and blasted his effort into the roof of the net at the near post, leaving Placide with no chance.
Vinicius then added a third before the interval. Exploiting Haiti's high defensive line, the Real Madrid forward sprinted through on goal and calmly slotted a low shot past Placide. The only concern for Brazil in the first half was the injury-enforced withdrawal of Raphinha.
Second half and group standings
Haiti showed greater attacking ambition after the break. Defender Ricardo Ade came closest when his glancing header from a corner forced Alisson Becker into a sharp reaction save.
Brazil remained in control despite creating fewer chances in the second period. They thought they had added a fourth through Endrick, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
The victory gives Brazil four points from two matches, level with Morocco but ahead on goal difference. They face Scotland in their final group match, while Haiti's elimination was confirmed despite their improved second-half display.
