Scotland need to beat Brazil at the World Cup for the first time in history to guarantee their place in the knockout rounds. Full match preview and betting tips for the 23:00 WAT Group C finale.
Scotland against Brazil. At the World Cup. With a knockout-round place on the line. It is the kind of match that writes itself — and on June 24, it becomes reality at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami at 23:00 WAT.
This is Scotland’s first World Cup since 1998, when they were drawn against Brazil in the very opening match of the tournament and lost 2-1 in Paris. Twenty-eight years later, Steve Clarke’s side face the exact same opponent at the same tournament stage, but this time with something tangible on the line. Scotland have never beaten Brazil in 10 meetings. Tonight, they need to make history.
Brazil, meanwhile, need only a draw to top Group C. They are well within their comfort zone. That dynamic — one team relaxed, the other desperate — sets up a tense, fascinating Group C finale alongside the simultaneous Morocco vs Haiti match in Atlanta.
Group C standings before June 24:
Brazil — 4 points (+3 GD)
Morocco — 4 points (+1 GD)
Scotland — 3 points (0 GD)
Haiti — 0 points (-4 GD) — eliminated
Scotland are third, but only on goal difference. They have three points from beating Haiti 1-0 and losing to Morocco 1-0. Brazil opened with a 1-1 draw against Morocco before beating Haiti 3-0, with Vinícius Júnior scoring in both group games. Both Brazil and Morocco are through. Scotland must win, and also depend on goal difference in the worst case — but a victory tonight virtually guarantees them progress as one of the best third-placed sides even if Morocco beat Haiti by a large margin.
It is high stakes for a Scotland side whose quality deserves more credit than the wider world gives them. Getting to the World Cup after a 28-year absence was itself a massive achievement. Now they have a chance to go further.
Brazil are without Raphinha, ruled out with a hamstring injury sustained against Haiti. The Barcelona winger’s creativity and direct running will be missed. Dorival Júnior must reorganise his attack, likely bringing Rodrygo into the starting eleven alongside Vinícius Júnior. The defensive core — Marquinhos at centre-back, Éderson in goal — remains solid. Brazil have not been at their very best in this tournament but have the individual quality to turn it on when needed.
Scotland have been the competition’s most pleasant surprise from the British Isles. Steve Clarke has drilled his team into a compact, organised defensive unit that is difficult to break down and carries pace in behind on the transition. John McGinn — their one goalscorer in the tournament — plays with enormous energy in central midfield, while Scott McTominay provides physicality and drive. Andy Robertson continues to be a constant attacking outlet down the left flank, and Ryan Christie has done intelligent work connecting the lines in Scotland’s narrow shape.
The key squad news for Scotland is that they are fully fit. Every player available for the campaign is ready. For Brazil, Raphinha’s absence creates uncertainty on the right side of their attack.
The central contest of this match is Vinícius Júnior against Andy Robertson. The Real Madrid forward has been the tournament’s most dangerous individual attacker, scoring in both games and constantly drawing defensive attention that opens space for Brazil’s support runners. Robertson is an elite left-back at club level but will face a monumental defensive test here.
Brazil will instinctively target Vinícius from the left, which means pulling Scotland’s right-back across and potentially opening pockets for Rodrygo or the late-arriving Bruno Guimarães. Scotland’s counter is to stay compact, prevent Brazil building momentum, and hit them on the break with Che Adams or the pace they carry in wide positions.
If Scotland can absorb the first 30 minutes, keep the game 0-0 into the second half, and then commit men forward, they have a chance. If Vinícius Jr scores early, the task becomes almost impossible.
Brazil and Scotland have met 10 times at senior level. Brazil have won eight, with two draws — Scotland have never won. Their World Cup record reads: Brazil 4-1 Scotland (1982, Spain), Brazil 2-1 Scotland (1998, France). The historical precedent is daunting. But tournaments produce upsets, and Scotland have already shown at this World Cup that they can compete with top opposition.
Brazil to Win — approx. 1.45 on Bet9ja/SportyBet
Brazil are the rational bet. They are a superior team on paper, need only a draw, and have match-winning individual quality in Vinícius Júnior. Even without Raphinha, their depth is remarkable. At 1.45 this is genuine favourite-priced value for what should be a controlled Brazil performance.
Both Teams to Score — No — approx. 2.10
Scotland’s defensive organisation under Clarke has been excellent. In both of their group games, they kept things tight and were difficult to break down. If Brazil are conservative — as they may well be, needing only a draw — then Scotland may not score either. BTTS No has logic here given Brazil’s inclination to manage the game.
Under 2.5 Goals — approx. 1.95
Brazil draw against Morocco was 1-1 and their win over Haiti was 3-0 with a very open opponent. Against an organised Scotland side motivated to keep it tight and wait for their chance, a low-scoring contest is more likely than a goal-fest. Under 2.5 Goals at ~1.95 offers decent value.
Scotland to Score at least Once — approx. 2.00
Scotland are not without threat. McGinn has shown he can find the net, and if Brazil open up even fractionally chasing a more comfortable lead, Clarke’s men have the pace to hurt them. A speculative longer-shot pick for those who think Scotland can nick a goal even in defeat.
Our Call: Brazil to Win and Under 2.5 Goals as a double — combined odds approximately 2.83. On ₦1,000 that returns ₦2,830. The safest play is simply Brazil to Win at 1.45 as a single or as part of today’s accumulator.
Do not bet what you cannot afford to lose. All odds are approximate and subject to change before kick-off.
Kick-off: 23:00 WAT / 6:00 PM ET
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
Group: Group C (Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti)
TV/Streaming (Nigeria): SuperSport / Canal+ Sport
Brazil should win this. Scotland will make it difficult, as they have made life difficult for every opponent in this tournament, but the individual quality gap between these two sides is significant. Vinícius Júnior alone represents a problem Scotland have never encountered in their recent history. A tight, disciplined contest with Brazil finding the goal that matters — whether through Vinicius, Rodrygo or a Cunha late run — is the most likely outcome.
For Scotland, even in defeat, an exit from the World Cup at the group stage would still represent their best tournament campaign in 28 years. But the dream of going further is alive. Come on Scotland — but back Brazil.
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