World Cup: Brazil crowned Group C winners as Scotland face nervous wait

Brazil cruised to a comfortable win over Scotland, sealing their progress into the knockout phase of the 2026 World Cup.

Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images.

With a 3-0 victory over Scotland this evening in the humidity of Miami, Brazil cemented their place in the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup as winners of Group C. Meanwhile, Scotland face a nervous wait to see if they have done enough to reach the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.

Similar to their group stage clash back in the 1998 edition of the tournament in France, the Brazilians took an early lead inside 7 minutes. It was, however, a tartan-wrapped gift as Scott McKenna's pass was charged down by Rayan. The 19-year-old unselfishly squared it for Vinicius Junior to round Gunn and convert.

Scotland managed to settle their rearguard somewhat, although it appeared they would go two goals behind when Vinicius picked the pockets of Hendry and tucked it away. On this occasion, VAR was Scotland's best friend, spotting the attacker tripping the defender before racing through to find the net.

Aside from a succession of corners past the half-hour, Scotland failed to trouble Brazil in the first-half. The five-time world champions struck again through their mercurial winger just before the break. Bruno Guimares whipped in from the right while Vinicius drifted off Patterson's radar to head in at the back post. 

Allison was first tested upon the restart, claiming a Scott McTominay header. Vinicius also got a sniff of a hattrick when Paqueta played him in, but Gunn's trailing leg parried to safety. The result was be put beyond doubt with a third of the game remaining when Guimares adopted the architect's role once again.

The midfielder shrugged off McLean and fed former RB Leipzig marksman Matheus Cunha, fizzing his strike inside the right post. Eager to I'm improve their worsening goal difference, Scotland offered more in the final third with McTominay to the fore. Allison did well to push the Napoli star's firm header away from danger. 

Perhaps the loudest cheer of the night rang out when Brazil's all-time leading goal-scorer Neymar made his World Cup bow. By this stage, however, any rhythm to the action had faded away to nothingness. Brazil march forth as Group C's top dominant force, while Scotland anxiously await their World Cup fate.