Miami: Brazil to face Scotland in World Cup Group C decider

By Rohan Gupta — 24 June 2026 — 3 min read

Brazil seeks Group C top spot against Scotland

Brazil is set to play Scotland on Wednesday, June 24, in Miami, aiming to secure their position in the last 32 of the World Cup. The match will take place at the home stadium of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. Brazil, five-time World Cup winners, are expected to advance, but they will face a determined Scotland side looking to qualify for the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.

The tournament has shifted to a schedule of six games per day, adding to the intensity. Brazil enters this match level on four points with Morocco in Group C, both teams having recorded a win and a draw in their initial two matches. Should Brazil and Morocco finish with the same number of points, goal differential would determine their standings, as their previous encounter ended in a tie. Currently, Brazil holds a two-goal advantage in this metric.

Squad selections and player availability

Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil’s coach, faces a decision regarding his lineup: whether to field a full-strength squad for a decisive win or to rest key players, given that Brazil has largely secured a spot in the next stage. It appears Ancelotti has opted for the former approach, aiming for a victory.

The announced lineup for Brazil against Scotland features Alisson in goal, who has conceded one goal in the first two games. The defensive line includes Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, and Douglas Santos. Douglas Santos is reportedly at risk of suspension but is still starting at left-back.

In midfield, Casemiro, who is also in danger of suspension, will start alongside Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá. The forward line will see Rayan, Matheus Cunha, and Vinícius Júnior. Matheus Cunha retains his spot after scoring twice against Haiti, while Rayan steps in due to an injury to Raphinha. Ancelotti has indicated that Neymar is available for the game and could make an appearance from the bench.

Brazil’s full World Cup roster includes a strong contingent of players from various clubs. The goalkeepers are Alisson Becker from Liverpool, Ederson from Fenerbahçe, and Weverton from Grêmio.

Defenders on the roster include Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ibañez (Al Ahli), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), and Wesley (Roma). Ederson was called in to replace the injured Wesley.

Midfield options are Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo), and Ederson (Atalanta).

The forwards listed are Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar Jr. (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), and Vinícius Jr. (Real Madrid).

Scotland’s challenge in Group C

Scotland faces a significant challenge in Group C. Following a 1-0 loss to Morocco, the team is currently third in the group with three points. To advance beyond the group stage, Scotland needs at least a draw against Brazil, or potentially a narrow loss, depending on other results. The team is determined to provide their supporters, known as the Tartan Army, with a historic qualification for the knockout rounds.

The match on Wednesday, June 24, is crucial for both teams as they vie for progression in the World Cup.

Source: thehindu.com

Rohan Gupta

Sports Reporter