Vinicius Junior Shows Signs of Breaking Through for Brazil at 2026 World Cup

Before the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup, Vinicius Junior has made 50 appearances for Brazil's national team, contributing to 17 goals (10 goals and 7 assists). However, his performances in major tournaments have been underwhelming. At the 2021 Copa America, he played four matches as a substitute without scoring or assisting. In the 2022 World Cup, he scored two goals and provided one assist in four appearances. During the 2024 Copa America, expected to be Brazil's key player, he scored only twice in three games, both goals against Paraguay.

Critics have often pointed out that Vinicius is less effective for Brazil than he is for Real Madrid, where he is a star. This discrepancy has frustrated fans, especially as he was expected to replace Neymar as the team's leading figure. Some analysts argue that Vinicius lacks the tactical dominance to carry the team in difficult moments, leading to calls for him to be benched after Brazil's 2-1 friendly loss to France. Unlike Neymar, who built a strong local fan base in Brazil before moving to Europe, Vinicius left for Real Madrid at 18, missing that local support.

Despite these challenges, Vinicius appears to be turning a corner in the current tournament in the United States. He has scored in every group stage match, joining an exclusive group of Brazilian players who achieved this feat, including Jairzinho (1970), Romario (1994), Ronaldo (2002), and Rivaldo (2002). This resurgence raises questions about whether his improved form is due to coach Carlo Ancelotti's influence, the quality of opponents, or his own development.

Brazil's current squad resembles the 1994 team that won the World Cup, which was not star-studded but had two outstanding forwards who delivered most goals and assists. Vinicius has the opportunity to emulate Romario and Bebeto's success on U.S. soil. Brazil faces Japan tonight at 20:00 (Sport1), a team that defeated Brazil in their last encounter, providing Vinicius a chance to prove his growing stature on the international stage.