Scotland manager Steve Clarke has made clear his side will not retreat into a defensive shell when they face Brazil in their final Group C fixture at the FIFA World Cup 2026, vowing to take the game to the five-time world champions in Miami.

The Scots arrive at that decisive encounter on three points, following an opening 1-0 victory over Haiti and a narrow 1-0 defeat to Morocco in Massachusetts. Clarke is demanding a positive response from his squad as they close out the group stage.

Clarke calls for a bold approach

Speaking after the Morocco loss, Clarke was direct about his intentions. "Next week is a different game and probably a different approach, so let's see who I pick," he told reporters. His message was unambiguous — Scotland intend to compete, not merely survive.

"We want to win the game and if we can't win the game then we don't want to lose it," Clarke added, outlining the mindset his squad will carry into the final five days of preparation before travelling to Miami, where heat and humidity will add another layer of challenge.

Frustration over Morocco decisions

Clarke also addressed several controversial refereeing moments from the Morocco match. He acknowledged uncertainty over the Scott McTominay incident — notably the only piece of footage he chose not to review — while offering more measured views on others.

"I thought the John McGinn one was a 50/50. Some will give it. And I think if the referee gives it, VAR doesn't overturn it," Clarke said. He expressed similar reservations about the red card decision involving Che Adams, who was brought down one-on-one with the goalkeeper but received only a yellow card, a call VAR subsequently upheld.

"There is nothing we can do about it," Clarke conceded, shifting his focus firmly toward the Brazil fixture.

A tough test awaits in Miami

Brazil represent one of the most formidable opponents Scotland could face at this stage of the tournament — a squad ranked among the world's top ten sides. Clarke acknowledged the scale of the challenge but framed it as an opportunity rather than an obstacle, insisting Scotland will not spend 90 minutes simply trying to contain the Brazilians.

With qualification still within reach, Scotland's fate rests on the outcome in Miami. Clarke's message to his players is clear: be bold, be brave, and take the fight to Brazil.