Scotland need win over Brazil to reach World Cup last 16

Scotland face Brazil in their final group match of the World Cup, a preview written by Callum McFadden, needing at least a point to keep qualification hopes alive. After a 1‑0 win over Haiti and a 1‑0 loss to Morocco, Scotland sit on three points while Brazil sit on four.

John McGinn's first‑half strike against Haiti gave Scotland their first World Cup win since 1990, ending a 34‑year wait for a tournament victory. The goal sparked optimism for a breakthrough tournament for the national side.

An early goal by Morocco condemned Scotland to a 1‑0 defeat in their second group fixture. That loss left Morocco level on four points with Brazil in the standings.

Brazil are five‑time world champions and have never been beaten by Scotland, including the opening game of the 1998 World Cup. Brazil also demonstrated their attacking firepower with a convincing victory over Haiti.

Scotland are expected to remain compact, defend with patience, and look to exploit counter‑attack opportunities through McGinn, Scott McTominay and other creative midfield options. Assistant manager Steven Naismith stressed the importance of discipline and organisation ahead of the encounter.

A draw could be enough because eight of the best third‑placed teams progress to the knockout stages. Even a defeat would not automatically extinguish Scotland's hopes if goal difference remains favourable.

Steve Clarke and his men cannot afford to concede multiple goals without reply, or risk elimination on goal difference. Naismith believes the squad possesses the quality and leadership needed to achieve what no previous Scotland side has managed.

Scotland will aim for a result against Brazil to keep their World Cup dream alive. A positive outcome would place them on the cusp of reaching the tournament's last‑16 for the first time.