Brazil secured top spot in Group C at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ with a 3-0 win over Scotland at Miami Stadium on Wednesday 24 June, powered by two first-half goals from Vinicius Junior and a second-half finish from Matheus Cunha.
The result sent the five-times champions into the Round of 32, where they will face the runners-up from Group F in Houston on 29 June. For Scotland, the defeat left their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds in the balance: they sit third in the section on three points with a goal difference of minus three.
Vinicius Junior’s performance also earned him the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match award, after he found the net in the seventh minute and again in first-half stoppage time to put Brazil firmly in control.
How Brazil took control at Miami Stadium
Scotland’s task was steep even before kick-off, having failed to beat Brazil in ten previous attempts, and it became harder almost immediately. In the sixth minute, a mistake at the back proved costly as Scott McKenna, making his first World Cup appearance, attempted to play out under pressure from Rayan. The ball was blocked and deflected into the path of Vinicius Junior, who sidestepped Angus Gunn and finished to make it 1-0 in the seventh minute.
Vinicius thought he had doubled the lead soon after when he robbed Jack Hendry and put the ball in the net, but a VAR review ruled the goal out after he was adjudged to have fouled the defender in the build-up. The decision offered Scotland a reprieve and a brief foothold in the contest.
Brazil, however, struck again at a decisive moment. In first-half stoppage time, Bruno Guimaraes delivered a cross that evaded Gunn’s outstretched arm, and Vinicius Junior nodded in to restore Brazil’s two-goal cushion at 45+3.
Gunn was called into action again before the interval, producing fine saves to deny Rayan and Vinicius Junior twice as Brazil continued to create chances. Scotland, meanwhile, were unable to turn their spells of possession into a breakthrough before the break.
Brazil’s third goal arrived on the hour mark. Bruno Guimaraes again played a key role, teeing up Matheus Cunha, who drilled a finish in at the near post in the 60th minute to make it 3-0 and effectively settle the contest.
Scotland pushed for a response but were kept out. Alisson Becker saved a Lewis Ferguson free-kick and then twice denied Scott McTominay, ensuring Brazil recorded a second straight win and a clean sheet. Late on, Neymar Jr was introduced as a substitute, appearing in his fourth successive World Cup and adding another notable moment to Brazil’s night.
Key stat and what was said
Vinicius Junior’s double carried an additional historical note: he became the fifth Brazil player to score in all three games of a World Cup group stage, following Jairzinho (1970), Romario (1994), and Ronaldo and Rivaldo (both 2002). The source notes that on each of those occasions Brazil went on to win the tournament.
After the match, Scotland coach Steve Clarke told the BBC: “You see their quality in the final third of the pitch, we didn’t have that tonight. We created chances but it wasn’t enough. Let’s be honest, the best team won … In the first four or five minutes we passed the ball well and then made a mistake. You cannot do that at this level because it puts you on the back foot and it becomes a long night . For sure I think we’re going home.”
Scotland midfielder John McGinn added: “We lost poor goals at poor times against a team with quality who can punish you. In moments, they [Brazil] just hurt you. We had a few chances to get a goal ourselves, which could’ve been important. The lads are gutted. We fell short on quality but we gave it absolutely everything. Whether or not we go through, we’ll see in the next few days.”
Brazil captain Marquinhos, speaking to beIN Sports, said: “We’ve achieved our first objective, but we have to keep going. It was a difficult group. Now the real competition begins. It’s like the Champions League – there’s no point finishing top of your group if you’re not ready afterwards. The small details are going to make all the difference.”
Group C picture and what comes next
Brazil’s win confirmed them as Group C winners with seven points, ahead of Morocco on seven. Scotland remain third on three points, with Haiti fourth on zero. With Brazil safely through and set for a Round of 32 meeting with Group F’s runners-up in Houston on 29 June, Scotland’s fate depends on how the group’s final outcomes are resolved, with their hopes still hanging in the balance after the 0-3 defeat.