Brazil vs Scotland World Cup Prediction: Decisive Group C Clash

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Scotland and Brazil will face off in their final Group C match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, United States, on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

The match, scheduled for 05:00 AM WIB (Western Indonesia Time) and broadcast live by TVRI, could prove decisive in determining both teams' paths to the Round of 32.

According to FIFA, the result will have major implications for qualification, particularly for Scotland, who are seeking to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history. Nicknamed the Tartan Army, Steve Clarke's side currently sits third in Group C with three points from two matches.

Scotland opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Haiti before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Morocco.

A win over Brazil would guarantee Scotland a place in the knockout rounds. A draw would also keep their hopes alive, although qualification would then depend on the result of the Morocco-Haiti match and the rankings of the best third-placed teams.

Brazil, meanwhile, are in a stronger position. Carlo Ancelotti's side leads Group C with four points after defeating Haiti and drawing with Morocco. A victory would secure the Selecao's place in the knockout stage and strengthen their chances of finishing as group winners.

Head-to-Head Record

Brazil received a boost ahead of the match with Neymar's recovery from a calf injury. However, the veteran forward is not expected to start. The five-time world champions will be without Raphinha, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Historically, Brazil are the most successful nation in World Cup history, having won the tournament five times (in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002). Scotland, by contrast, have never progressed beyond the group stage despite multiple appearances at the finals.

According to FIFA records, this will be the fifth World Cup meeting between the two nations. Brazil have dominated the fixture, recording three wins and one draw in their previous encounters.

Their most recent World Cup clash came in the opening match of the 1998 tournament, when Brazil defeated Scotland 2-1. While Brazil enter the match as favorites based on their squad depth and tournament pedigree, Scotland's disciplined defensive performances throughout the competition could make for a closely contested encounter.

Current Team Conditions

As reported by Sports Mole, Scotland could welcome back three players who missed the final training session over the weekend: Scott McKenna, who has been dealing with a calf issue; Aaron Hickey, who is continuing his recovery from injury; and Lewis Ferguson, who was sidelined by fatigue. All three are expected to be available against Brazil, with Ferguson potentially returning to the starting lineup in central midfield.

Steve Clarke is expected to stick with his pragmatic tactical approach. Scotland could once again deploy a flexible system capable of shifting between a 3-4-2-1 and a 4-4-1-1 formation, similar to the setup used against Morocco. If Clarke opts for that approach, Ben Doak may begin the match on the bench.

In attack, John McGinn and Scott McTominay are expected to operate behind striker Che Adams. The Southampton forward is likely to retain his place ahead of Lawrence Shankland and Lyndon Dykes.

Brazil, meanwhile, will definitely be without Raphinha after the Barcelona winger suffered a hamstring injury against Haiti. Nineteen-year-old Bournemouth player Rayan is considered the leading candidate to replace him on the right flank.

Ancelotti has confirmed Neymar's availability after his recovery, although Brazil's all-time leading scorer is expected to start among the substitutes. Lucas Paqueta is likely to occupy the attacking midfield role behind a front line featuring Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha.

Elsewhere, Brazil are not expected to make many changes. Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Douglas Santos are set to form the defensive line, while Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes will continue to anchor the midfield.

Predicted Lineups

Scotland (3-4-2-1): Angus Gunn; Nathan Patterson, Jack Hendry, Grant Hanley, Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney; Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson; Scott McTominay, John McGinn; Che Adams.

Coach: Steve Clarke

Brazil (4-2-3-1): Alisson Becker; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Douglas Santos; Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro; Rayan, Lucas Paqueta, Vinicius Junior; Matheus Cunha.

Coach: Carlo Ancelotti

Final Prediction

Despite Raphinha's absence, Brazil still possess considerable attacking depth and several dangerous options in the final third. Scotland, however, have demonstrated strong defensive organization throughout the tournament and could pose problems for the South American giants.

The match is expected to be competitive, but Brazil's superior individual quality, experience, and depth make them the favorites to claim all three points and secure their place in the knockout stage.

Read: Colombia Advances to Knockout Stage as Panama Exits World Cup

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