Scotland v Brazil: World Cup 2026 line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream and prediction

Scotland face the toughest challenge of their World Cup 2026 group-stage campaign when they take on Brazil in Miami on Wednesday.

The Scots head into the final Group C fixture knowing a positive result could secure a historic first-ever appearance in the World Cup knockout rounds, while Brazil are aiming to finish top of the group.

Steve Clarke’s side have taken three points from their opening two matches after beating Haiti 1-0 before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Morocco. Scotland can count themselves unfortunate not to have taken something from that contest, producing a spirited display despite conceding inside the opening two minutes.

While Scotland have never progressed beyond the group stage at a World Cup, they remain firmly in contention to make history. A victory over Brazil would guarantee a top-two finish, while even a draw could prove enough to secure qualification.

The challenge is a significant one, however. Scotland have never beaten Brazil in eight previous meetings, losing six times and drawing twice, including three World Cup encounters.

Brazil recovered from a disappointing opening draw against Morocco by defeating Haiti 3-0 in their second group match. Matheus Cunha scored twice, while Vinicius Junior was also on target as Carlo Ancelotti’s side produced one of their most complete performances under the Italian manager.

The Selecao remain among the favourites to lift the trophy and know that matching or bettering Morocco’s result against Haiti will be enough to secure top spot in Group C.

World Cup 2026: Scotland v Brazil team news

Scotland could welcome back Scott McKenna, Aaron Hickey and Lewis Ferguson after the trio missed training over the weekend.

Clarke is expected to maintain a pragmatic setup, with Scott McTominay and John McGinn operating in advanced midfield roles behind striker Che Adams.

Ryan Christie should continue in midfield, while captain Andy Robertson is set to start at left-back alongside Kieran Tierney.

Brazil have suffered a setback with Raphinha ruled out after sustaining a hamstring injury against Haiti.

Teenage winger Rayan is expected to replace him on the right flank, while Neymar has returned to fitness and is available for selection. However, the veteran forward is not expected to start.

Lucas Paqueta should continue in the number 10 role behind Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha, while Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes are expected to anchor the defence.

Scotland v Brazil: World Cup 2026 predicted line-ups

Scotland starting XI: Gunn; Patterson, Hendry, Hanley, Robertson, Tierney; Christie, Ferguson; McTominay, McGinn; Adams

Brazil starting XI: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Guimaraes, Casemiro; Rayan, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr; Cunha

Where to watch Scotland v Brazil: TV channel, live online streams

Kick-off on Wednesday is at 23:00 BST (18:00 ET / 15:00 PT). In the UK, live coverage is on BBC One.

Streaming on a vast range of devices is available through the BBC iPlayer app and BBC Sport website.

World Cup 2026: Scotland v Brazil stats

• Brazil’s 4-1 win over Italy in the 1970 final is the joint-biggest victory in a World Cup final – with Pele scoring one goal and assisting two more – along with Brazil’s 5-2 win against Sweden in 1958 and France’s 3-0 triumph over Brazil in the 1998 final
• The Selecao, Germany, Italy, and Argentina have collectively won 73% of all FIFA World Cup tournaments, claiming 16 of the 22 titles
• They are the only team to have taken part in every single World Cup since its original edition in 1930, with this their 23rd appearance
• Since 1982, Brazil have topped their first-round group in every World Cup. They are also unbeaten in their last 20 opening matches at the finals, with 17 wins and three draws since a 3-1 defeat to Spain in 1934
• Carlo Ancelotti is at his first World Cup as head coach and is the first non-Brazilian to take charge of Brazil at the finals, although he played for Italy at the 1990 edition, taking part in three matches including the third-place game against England (2-1)
• Vinicius Junior has been involved in six goals in six appearances at the World Cup (3 goals, 3 assists)
• Scotland have won eight of their last 12 competitive matches (D1 L3) and five of their last seven (L2), with their only defeats during that run before their loss to Morocco coming home and away to Greece
• John McGinn has scored 21 goals under Steve Clarke, which is the joint-most by a player under a single Scotland manager along with Denis Law under Ian McColl (21 in 21 games)
• The Tartan Army could win more than one game at a single major tournament for the first time
• Clarke is leading Scotland at a third major tournament following EURO 2020 and EURO 2024, which is more than any other head coach for the national team
• Including EURO appearances, Scotland have failed to surpass the opening round in any of their 12 previous attempts at major competitions