Brazil advanced to the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup in impressive fashion after a 3-0 win over Scotland in their final Group C match. Vinicius Junior scored twice, while Neymar made his first appearance for the Seleção in three years.
The match was played at Miami Stadium in front of 64,478 spectators. Carlo Ancelotti's side finished top of Group C with seven points. Morocco took second place with a 4-2 win over Haiti.
Vinicius Junior has now scored in every match since the start of the tournament. The 25-year-old has four goals in the competition, level with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, and just one behind Lionel Messi.
Scotland coach Stephen Clark predicted Brazil would attack from the start, and that is exactly what happened. In the seventh minute, Scott McKenna failed to clear properly, Rayan pounced and passed to an unmarked Vinicius. Goalkeeper Angus Gunn charged out, but the Real Madrid forward needed only one touch to lift the ball over him and tap into an empty net.
Brazil nearly scored a second before halftime, but Vinicius's goal after dispossessing Jack Hendry was ruled out by VAR for a foul by the Brazilian. The first half ended 1-0, with Scotland not registering a single shot on target.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, Brazil doubled their lead. Once again they won the ball high up the pitch, Bruno Guimarães crossed to the far post, and Vinicius headed in his second goal.
Brazil continued to dominate in the second half. The third goal came from a sharp build-up through the middle. Guimarães provided his second assist of the night, setting up Matheus Cunha to score his third goal of the tournament.
But the biggest cheers were reserved for Neymar when Ancelotti brought on the 34-year-old forward for his first appearance since October 2023.
Scotland created few chances. Goalkeeper Alisson remained a solid wall, denying a late opportunity to help Brazil keep a clean sheet.
