Brazil face Scotland in Miami on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, with the aim of securing top spot in Group C and a smoother path through the knockout stage of the World Cup. The match kicks off at 11pm BST at Hard Rock Stadium and will be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer.
Team News and Injury Updates
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar will be available for selection after missing the first two games due to a calf injury. Neymar could start on the right wing, filling in for Raphinha, who picked up a hamstring injury in the previous match against Haiti and will be absent. Alternatively, 19-year-old left-footed Rayan, a more natural fit on the right, may take his place.
In the opening draw with Morocco, where the Atlas Lions thoroughly outplayed Brazil, Ancelotti substituted Casemiro for Fabinho and replaced Matheus Cunha with Igor Thiago of Brentford. Cunha started against Haiti and scored twice, ensuring he will start against Scotland. Vinicius Jr, who has scored in both games, is a guaranteed starter on the left wing.
Predicted Lineup and Tactical Adjustments
Ancelotti is expected to field a settled midfield trio of Lucas Paqueta, Bruno Guimaraes, and Casemiro, despite Casemiro's shaky first half against Haiti. Danilo replaced Roger Ibanez at right-back in the Haiti game, after Ibanez was pulled off at half-time in the opener. Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes form the tournament's strongest centre-back pairing, while Douglas Santos offers solidity in both defence and attack. Alisson remains Brazil's undisputed number one, keeping Fenerbahce's Ederson on the bench.
Predicted Brazil XI
Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Guimaraes, Casemiro, Paqueta; Rayan, Cunha, Vinicius Jr. Injured: Raphinha.
Bench Options and Depth Concerns
Other attacking options on the bench include 19-year-old striker Endrick and Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli, but Brazil lack significant depth beyond that, especially with Raphinha's injury. Ancelotti will rely on his core starters to deliver against a determined Scotland side.
