Scotland vs Brazil

Match Preview

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature a highly anticipated Group C clash between Scotland and five-time champions Brazil. The groups for the tournament were finalized on December 5, 2025, confirming Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti in Group C. This will be Scotland's first World Cup appearance since 1998, and they will be looking to make an impact against formidable opponents.

Match Details:

The match between Scotland and Brazil in Group C is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, 2026, with a kick-off time of 11:00 PM UK time (6:00 PM ET/22:00 UTC). The game will be played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, USA.

Team News:

Scotland

Manager Steve Clarke announced Scotland's provisional squad on May 19, 2026. Key players include captain and Liverpool defender Andy Robertson, as well as midfielders Scott McTominay and John McGinn, who are considered significant goal threats. Veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon, 43, has been included despite recent injury concerns, while 19-year-old Findlay Curtis, a versatile attacker, also earned a spot. Striker Ross Stewart returns to the squad after a strong end to the season. However, a significant blow to the squad is the knee injury sustained by midfielder Billy Gilmour during a friendly against Curaçao on May 30, 2026, which has ruled him out of the tournament. His club, SSC Napoli, will oversee his rehabilitation.

Provisional Scotland Squad (as of May 19, 2026):

• Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers)
• Defenders: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al-Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Dom Hyam (Wrexham), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic)
• Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Findlay Curtis (Kilmarnock), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Napoli)
• Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Charlton Athletic), George Hirst (Ipswich Town), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Ross Stewart (Southampton)

Brazil

Brazil, led by head coach Carlo Ancelotti, announced their 26-player squad on May 18, 2026. The Seleção are perennial favorites and boast a squad filled with superstars. Veteran forward Neymar Jr. is included for what will likely be his fourth World Cup appearance, despite recent absences from international play. Other key players expected to feature prominently include Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United), and Casemiro (Manchester United).

Provisional Brazil Squad (as of May 18, 2026):

• Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Weverton (Grêmio)
• Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit Saint Petersburg), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Roger Ibañez (Al-Ahli), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (Roma)
• Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United), Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Danilo Santos (Botafogo)
• Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar Jr (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)

Match Preview and Predictions:

This Group C encounter is the third and final group stage match for both nations. Historically, Brazil has a dominant record against Scotland, having never lost in their ten previous meetings, including four World Cup encounters. Their last World Cup meeting was a 2-1 victory for Brazil in the opening match of the 1998 tournament.

Brazil enters the match as heavy favorites, with prediction markets giving them an implied probability of 71.5% to win, compared to Scotland's 28.5%. While Scotland, under Steve Clarke, has shown defensive discipline and the ability to grind out results, they will face a significant challenge in containing Brazil's potent attack. The Seleção's depth and quality across the squad are expected to be superior to Scotland's best lineup.

Given Brazil's historical dominance and the strength of their squad, the prediction markets heavily favor a Brazilian victory. Scotland will likely aim for a disciplined defensive performance and look to capitalize on any counter-attacking opportunities. However, overcoming Brazil's talent will be a monumental task.