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Brazil defeats Scotland to take top spot in Group C of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Image Credit: FIFA

Scotland 0-3 Brazil

Brazil goals: Vinicius Júnior (7, 45+3), Matheus Cunha (60)

MIAMI, FL — Brazil strolled into the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Scotland at Miami Stadium.

With two first-half goals, Vinicius Júnior led the way for the five-times champions who can now look forward to a Houston encounter with Group F’s runners-up on 29 June.

For Scotland, by contrast, the dream of surviving the group stage for the first time remains in the balance. They sit third in the section with three points and a goal difference of minus three.

Scotland had not beaten Brazil in ten previous attempts and the size of their task grew larger in the sixth minute after a goal gift-wrapped by Scott McKenna, the centre-back brought in for his first World Cup appearance. Under pressure from Rayan, his attempted ball out from the back was blocked by the Brazilian and deflected towards Vinicius Júnior who sidestepped Angus Gunn and found the net for the third game running.

Vinicius Júnior then had the ball in the net a second time after robbing Jack Hendry but following a VAR review, he was adjudged to have fouled the defender.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JUNE 24: Neymar Jr #10 of Brazil reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Scotland and Brazil at Miami Stadium on June 24, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Hannah Peters - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

After that reprieve, Scotland gained a temporary foothold only to stumble again in first-half stoppage time as Bruno Guimaráes’ cross evaded Gunn’s outstretched arm and Vinicius Júnior nodded in. Although Gunn would then make fine saves to foil Rayan and Vinicius Júnior (twice), Brazil got their third goal when Bruno Guimaraes teed up Matheus Cunha to drill in at the near post.

Scotland were denied the consolation of a goal as Alisson Becker saved from a Lewis Ferguson free-kick and then twice denied Scott McTominay as Brazil secured a second straight win and clean sheet. The introduction of Neymar Jr as a late substitute — the veteran appearing in his fourth successive World Cup — gave the vast Brazilian contingent in the crowd something else to celebrate too.

Group C
Group C
P W D L GF GA GD TCS Pts Form
1
Brazil
3 2 1 0 7 1 6 -5 7
2
Morocco
3 2 1 0 6 3 3 -1 7
3
Scotland
3 1 0 2 1 4 -3 -5 3
4
Haiti
3 0 0 3 2 8 -6 -7 0

Key stat

Vinicius Junior has become the fifth Brazil player to score in all three games of a World Cup group stage, following in the footsteps of Jairzinho (1970), Romário (1994), and Ronaldo and Rivaldo (both 2002). On each occasion Brazil went on to win the tournament.


Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match

Vinicius Junior (Brazil)

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JUNE 24: Vinicius Junior #7 of Brazil is presented with the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match Trophy by Cafu during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Scotland and Brazil at Miami Stadium on June 24, 2026 in Miami, United States. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

What they said

“You see their quality in the final third of the pitch, we didn’t have that tonight. We created chances but it wasn’t enough. Let’s be honest, the best team won … In the first four or five minutes we passed the ball well and then made a mistake. You cannot do that at this level because it puts you on the back foot and it becomes a long night . For sure I think we’re going home.” Steve Clarke, Scotland coach, speaking to the BBC

“We lost poor goals at poor times against a team with quality who can punish you. In moments, they [Brazil] just hurt you. We had a few chances to get a goal ourselves, which could’ve been important. The lads are gutted. We fell short on quality but we gave it absolutely everything. Whether or not we go through, we’ll see in the next few days.” John McGinn, Scotland midfielder

“We’ve achieved our first objective, but we have to keep going. It was a difficult group. Now the real competition begins. It’s like the Champions League – there’s no point finishing top of your group if you’re not ready afterwards. The small details are going to make all the difference.” Marquinhos, Brazil captain, speaking to beIN Sports

Information and Photos Courtesy of FIFA

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