Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti warns of Scotland's formidable team as they prepare for a critical World Cup group match in Miami.
Brazil face Scotland on Wednesday night in Miami in a pivotal World Cup Group C match that could confirm the Scots’ first-ever progression to the knockout stage. The fixture brings Neymar’s cleared return for Brazil and a defined set of qualification scenarios for Scotland into a high-stakes showdown.
The match matters because a result against Brazil could alter the final Group C standings and end Scotland’s 28-year absence from the latter rounds. Brazil’s selections are also in focus, with injury updates affecting the attack and a potential game-state impact on the group’s last-32 bracket.
Coaches’ stances and match build-up in Miami
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti framed the contest as a serious test, noting Scotland’s organization and experienced core led by Scott McTominay and John McGinn. He stressed that easy matches are rare at a World Cup and prepared his team for a demanding night in Miami’s charged setting, with a strongly backed Tartan Army expected in the stands.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke underscored the occasion for his players. “I want our players to be the best version of themselves that they can be on the night, on the world stage, against a top ten team,” he said. “For me, that would be the ultimate.” He added: “They are Brazil. They’ve got good players all over the pitch,” and “So we know we have to be the best version of ourselves.”
Neymar cleared, Raphinha out: Brazil lineup picture
Ancelotti confirmed Neymar has been cleared following a calf issue and trained well, providing a timely boost to Brazil’s front line. The staff signaled that while Neymar is available to contribute, selection could still balance match rhythm with tactical needs, with Lucas Paquetá retaining the No. 10 role should Neymar not start.
Raphinha is unavailable after a hamstring injury sustained against Haiti, removing a key outlet from Brazil’s right side. In his place, young Bournemouth forward Rayan is expected to step in, while Matheus Cunha, fresh from a brace versus Haiti, is set to continue centrally and Vinícius Júnior to operate on the left. The midfield base of Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães is due to remain, with a stable back four of Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, and Douglas Santos ahead of goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Scotland’s qualification scenarios and on-field priorities
Scotland enter the night with a clear route to the last 32. A win over Brazil would most likely deliver a runners-up finish in Group C and a meeting with the winners of Group F. A draw would put Scotland on four points and, under the current format, should be sufficient to advance among the best third-placed teams, slotting them against a group winner from A, E, or I.
A defeat would force an anxious wait through the remaining group fixtures, with as many as nine other teams able to surpass Scotland on goal difference or goals scored. In that scenario, their fate could hinge on late results elsewhere, extending uncertainty beyond Wednesday’s match in Miami.
Clarke framed the moment for his squad in direct terms. “We’ve all been talking about living the dream. And now we are all here, actually living that dream.” He added the scale of the stage: “You’re here to represent your country. You go to Miami to play against Brazil as a Scottish player. It doesn’t come much bigger than that,” and urged expression: “So let’s just go and express ourselves and see what we can do.”
Midfielder John McGinn, the scorer of Scotland’s only World Cup goal so far, was highlighted as pivotal to linking play and set-piece threat. The fervent Tartan Army presence in Miami was expected to influence tempo and pressure moments, as Scotland seek a result that secures history while Brazil manage rotations and reintegrate Neymar.
Last update: 24 June 2026
