Brazil will look to seal a place in the World Cup last 32 when they face Scotland on Wednesday as the expanded tournament enters a busy phase featuring six matches per day. The five-time world champions remain strong favorites to advance from Group C, but Scotland arrive in Miami with hopes of reaching the knockout stage for the first time in their history. The result could play a major role in shaping the group standings and future matchups.
Brazil received a major boost ahead of the contest after head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Neymar has recovered from injury and is available for selection. The star forward has not represented Brazil since October 2023 and could make his first appearance of the tournament. His return is especially important as Brazil continue without winger Raphinha, who is expected to remain sidelined for around two weeks due to injury.
History also favors Brazil heading into the encounter, as the two nations have met four times previously in World Cup group-stage matches. Brazil won three of those meetings, while the remaining match ended in a draw in 1974. Scotland were eliminated on goal difference in that tournament, adding further significance to another crucial meeting between the sides on football’s biggest stage.
Elsewhere, Morocco remain in contention for top spot in Group C after earning a valuable draw against Brazil earlier in the competition. They now face already-eliminated Haiti and know a victory could strengthen their chances of finishing above Brazil. Meanwhile, co-hosts Mexico have already secured qualification after winning Group A and will now focus on maintaining momentum heading into the knockout rounds.
In another key battle, Canada and Switzerland meet in Vancouver with first place in their group on the line. Although both teams occupy strong positions, a heavy defeat could still complicate their qualification hopes. Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar also remain mathematically alive, despite Qatar suffering a heavy 6-0 defeat against Canada in their previous match.
The tournament has already produced several memorable moments, including Cristiano Ronaldo becoming the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments. The Portuguese captain responded to recent criticism by scoring twice in a 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, Colombia secured a place in the last 32 with a narrow win over the Democratic Republic of Congo, while England’s qualification hopes remain uncertain after a goalless draw against Ghana.