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Scotland Vs Brazil: World Cup preview, team news and possible lineups
24th June, 2026 06:03 PM
Scotland will seek to create a landmark moment in their football history when they take on Brazil in their final Group C match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday night, June 24, 2026.
The encounter rekindles a World Cup rivalry that has not been seen since France 1998, where Brazil edged the Scots 2-1 on their way to reaching the tournament final.
Scotland hunt
Scotland’s campaign has produced mixed results so far. After beginning their World Cup journey with a narrow 1-0 victory over Haiti, Steve Clarke’s side fell to a 1-0 defeat against Morocco in their second group match.
Morocco struck almost immediately through Ismael Saibari, whose goal after just over a minute proved decisive. Despite the setback, Scotland improved significantly after the break and felt aggrieved by several penalty decisions that went against them.
Clarke nevertheless drew encouragement from his team’s resilience against one of the world’s strongest sides, believing the performance demonstrated Scotland’s ability to compete with elite opposition.
The Scots remain in contention for a place in the knockout rounds, something they have never achieved in any of their previous World Cup appearances. Victory over Brazil would automatically secure qualification and likely guarantee a top-two finish in the group.
Even a draw could be enough to see Scotland advance, while a defeat may still leave the door open depending on other results and goal difference calculations. However, avoiding a heavy loss will be crucial.
History, though, offers little comfort. Scotland have never defeated Brazil, recording six defeats and two draws in eight previous meetings. Three of those losses came in World Cup group-stage encounters between 1982 and 1998.
Brazil’s journey
Brazil arrive in Miami in a far stronger position after collecting four points from their opening two matches.
The South Americans opened with a 1-1 draw against Morocco before producing an impressive 3-0 victory over Haiti. Matheus Cunha scored twice, while Vinicius Junior added another goal in a dominant display.
The result extended Brazil’s remarkable World Cup scoring record, marking the 41st occasion they have netted at least three goals in a single tournament match—more than any other nation.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti praised the all-round quality of his team’s performance and knows another positive result should secure first place in Group C. Brazil simply need to equal or improve upon Morocco’s result against Haiti to guarantee top spot.
Currently ranked fifth in the FIFA standings, Brazil are considered among the strongest contenders for the trophy. Since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, they have faced several European opponents, winning four of seven matches while drawing one and losing two.
Despite their pedigree, Brazil have reason to remain cautious. Their last three defeats in World Cup group play all occurred in the final round of fixtures, including a shock loss to Cameroon in Qatar. That history serves as a reminder against complacency.
Team news
Scotland could receive a welcome boost ahead of the contest. Scott McKenna, Aaron Hickey and Lewis Ferguson all missed training sessions during the weekend, but each remains in contention for selection.
Clarke is expected to adopt a disciplined tactical setup designed to frustrate Brazil’s attacking stars. Scotland may again switch between a back-three and back-four system depending on the flow of the game.
John McGinn and Scott McTominay are expected to provide support behind striker Che Adams, who is likely to keep his place ahead of Lawrence Shankland and Lyndon Dykes.
Brazil, meanwhile, have suffered a setback with Raphinha ruled out after sustaining a hamstring injury during the victory over Haiti. Young Bournemouth winger Rayan is tipped to replace him on the right flank.
Ancelotti has confirmed Neymar is available again following his recovery from injury, although the veteran forward is not expected to start. Lucas Paqueta is therefore likely to continue in an attacking midfield role behind Vinicius Junior and Cunha.
Elsewhere, Brazil are expected to retain the defensive unit of Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes and Douglas Santos, with Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes anchoring midfield.
Probable lineups
Scotland: Gunn; Patterson, Hendry, Hanley, Robertson, Tierney; Christie, Ferguson; McTominay, McGinn; Adams.
Brazil: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro; Rayan, Paqueta, Vinicius Junior; Cunha.
