Scotland stand on the edge of a historic moment at FIFA World Cup 2026, needing just a point — or a favourable set of results — to reach the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. Their final group stage fixture places them against Brazil at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, with kick-off at 11:00pm BST.

What Scotland need

Thanks to their earlier victory over Haiti, Scotland cannot finish below third place in Group C. A draw against Brazil would dramatically improve their chances of advancing to the round of 32, and manager Steve Clarke knows that the best way to earn a point is often to chase three.

Morocco are expected to beat Haiti in the other group fixture, which would leave them on seven points. Should Brazil defeat Scotland, goal difference would separate the sides below Morocco. Should Scotland avoid defeat, history beckons for Clarke and his squad.

Brazil's firepower

Brazil arrive in Miami as group leaders, buoyed by two goals each from Matheus Cunha and Vinicius Jr across their opening two matches. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti, appointed a year ago, has cultivated a side built on resilience and pragmatism — hallmarks of his managerial career.

Scotland have never beaten Brazil in a competitive fixture. In four previous World Cup group-stage encounters, they have claimed just a single point — a goalless draw in 1974 — before falling in 1982, 1990, and 1998. The 2026 edition would need to be a marked departure from that pattern.

Scotland's route to the result

Clarke's side showed enough in their win over Haiti to suggest belief exists in this squad, yet defensive frailties and inconsistency in the final third have been visible even in victory. The biggest selection question surrounds whether to deploy Bournemouth's Ben Gannon-Doak from the start.

World Cup 2026 has already delivered its share of shocks, and Clarke is entitled to dream. One goal, one moment of brilliance, one decisive intervention — that is all that stands between Scotland and a result that would rewrite their football history.

FourFourTwo predicts a 1-2 win for Brazil, echoing the result from France 98.