Steve Clarke has reverted to a back four as Scotland meet Brazil at the World Cup tonight. After an opening 1-0 win over Haiti, and subsequent 1-0 defeat by Morocco, who had opened their campaign with an impressive 1-1 draw with the Selecao, Scotland know a first-ever knockout stage berth is within their sights.
Formation and lineup changes
John McGinn scored in the Haiti win, Scotland’s only goal of the tournament so far, as Clarke lined his men up in a flat 4-4-2 system in that game. Scott McTominay partnered Lewis Ferguson in the centre of midfield, while McGinn operated on the left. Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams were partnered up front.
Against Morocco, he switched to a flexible shape that sometimes looked like a back five, and at other times, looked like a 4-4-1-1 with John McGinn on the right flank, and Ryan Christie in centre-field. It gave Scotland more defensive solidity, but stifled their attacking verve in a toothless display.
Key players and injuries
Now, he has reverted to type and plumped for a 4-4-2 once more as Shankland is recalled. Ben Gannon-Doak was dropped against Morocco, but comes back in against the five-time World Cup winners. Kieran Tierney has shrugged off injury fears, after being withdrawn against Morocco, but he has to settle for a place on the bench, with Nathan Patterson preferred at right-back, and Aaron Hickey also is among the substitutes. McTominay will likely play just off Shankland with Kenny McLean coming into the side to partner Ferguson. Scott McKenna also partners Jack Hendry at the back, overcoming a calf problem.
Match details
Scotland XI: Gunn; Patterson, McKenna, Hendry, Robertson; Gannon-Doak, Ferguson, McLean, McGinn; McTominay; Shankland. Subs: Kelly, Gordon, Hickey, Hanley, Tierney, Fletcher, Adams, Dykes, Christie, Stewart, Souttar, Hyam, Hirst, Ralston, Curtis. Time and date: 11pm BST on Wednesday June 24, 2026. Venue: Miami Stadium. How to watch: BBC One.
