Scotland vs Brazil Prediction: Brazil show what they’ve got against the Scots

Brazil close out their World Cup 2026 Group C campaign against Scotland at Miami Stadium (11pm BST, 6pm local, BBC One & iPlayer). The Selecao top the table with four points, while Scotland sit on three. Morocco play Haiti at the same time as this game, with the AFCON holders also on three points after beating Scotland 1-0. 

All to play for as I offer up my Scotland vs Brazil predictions.

Team News

Scotland have some fitness issues, with Bologna schemer Lewis Ferguson, Aaron Hickey of Brentford and Dinamo Zagreb’s Scott McKenna all missing training over the weekend.

The latter is nursing a calf problem and is yet to appear at this World Cup. Ferguson has played in both matches so far and is expected to be fit for this clash. Hickey was withdrawn during the 1-0 win over Haiti and missed the defeat to Morocco.

Brazil are without influential winger Raphinha, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury he sustained in the victory over Haiti.

But Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti has declared that surprise inclusion Neymar is finally in contention. The 34-year-old Santos superstar was carrying a calf injury coming into these finals, but is now available for selection. It is unlikely that Brazil’s all-time top scorer will start, but we may see Neymar rise from the bench to play at his fourth World Cup.

Scotland vs Brazil Odds

Scotland are on the market at 6/1 for the victory, a result sure to send the Tartan-clad hordes into raptures. Brazil are the clear favourites at 4/11 while the draw is priced at 18/5.

If you fancy Brazil to win to nil, that punt is available at 19/20. Scotland are marketed at 7/1 to be ahead at half time.

Vinicius Jr. to score @ 6/5 (Sub Switch)

Two games, two goals. Sometimes a player enters a tournament with a lot of hype and lives up to it. Lionel Messi has grabbed the headlines for the sheer lunacy of bagging five World Cup goals in two games at the age of 38. But the man some feel is his heir apparent has started strong.

I reckon Vini will add to his total in this one. Brazil can’t afford to take Scotland lightly and they will be keenly aware of how competitive they were against Morocco. Ruthlessness is the watchword and I think the Real Madrid man embodies that. Expect Brazil’s modern superstar to live up to the moniker in Miami.

Brazil to win and both teams to score @ 12/5

Sorry to my beloved Scottish readers, but I do think Ancelotti’s boys will have just a little too much for you. While this Brazil does not match the ingenuity and precociousness of previous iterations, they are an efficient bunch.

Players like Matheus Cunha, Lucas Paqueta and Rayan offer attacking gifts capable of puncturing any defence. That is without even touching on the man I’m backing to get a goal in my predictions. Keeping the Selecao quiet will be an almighty ask for Steve Clarke’s side.

But I do think they will give the Tartan Army something to cheer. Scott McTominay is a problem that Ancelotti will need to budget for. Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes will duke it out to lead the line and both are capable of scoring a vital goal. Ryan Christie and John McGinn demonstrate that the Scottish threat extends beyond the front line.

This is a big ask for Scotland, but I think they’ll give Brazil something to think about before falling heroically short.

You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.