Brazil favourites to seal knockout berth as Scotland chase historic qualification
Standing between them and history is one of the most decorated teams in international football. Brazil's combination of technical quality, tournament experience and attacking depth presents Scotland with their toughest test of the campaign.
Five-time world champions Brazil will look to secure their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32 when they face Scotland in a pivotal Group C clash in Miami on Wednesday (24 June).
After being held to a draw by Morocco in their opening match, Carlo Ancelotti's side responded in emphatic fashion with a 3-0 victory over Haiti, reaffirming their status as one of the tournament favourites.
Armed with world-class talent across the pitch and led by one of football's most successful managers, Brazil enter the contest as strong favourites to progress.
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The expected return of Neymar to the starting XI provides an additional boost for the Seleçao. The veteran forward is poised to make his first start of the tournament alongside Vinicius Junior, giving Brazil even greater attacking firepower as they seek to finish the group stage strongly.
For Scotland, the stakes could hardly be higher. Steve Clarke's side have exceeded expectations to remain firmly in contention for a place in the knockout rounds and know that a draw would be enough to secure a historic first-ever qualification for the World Cup knockout stage.
However, standing between them and history is one of the most decorated teams in international football. Brazil's combination of technical quality, tournament experience and attacking depth presents Scotland with their toughest test of the campaign.
The South Americans have built their reputation on delivering under pressure on football's grandest stage, and another victory would not only guarantee progression but also strengthen their momentum heading into the knockout rounds.
Scotland, meanwhile, will hope their discipline, organisation and resilience can frustrate the tournament giants and produce one of the biggest results in the nation's football history.
Probable XI
Brazil: Alisson Becker, Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Douglas Santos; Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro (c), Lucas Paquetá; Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Matheus Cunha.
Scotland: Angus Gunn, Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry, Kieran Tierney, Nathan Patterson, Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson, John McGinn, Andrew Robertson (c); Scott McTominay, Ché Adams.
