Scotland are close to qualifying for the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their history, but they face a tough conclusion to their Group C campaign against Brazil, which Racing Post football expert Dan Childs expects to end in a narrow defeat.
The plan for Scotland was to get to the Brazil game in a position of strength and they have done a reasonable job by putting three points on the board.
However, Steve Clarke's side missed an opportunity on Friday when sliding to a 1-0 loss to 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco.
They paid the price for a sloppy start against the Atlas Lions and will be aiming to build a more solid platform against Brazil to give themselves the best possible chance of progressing from Group C.
It is possible that Scotland could suffer a low-scoring loss and still progress to the next stage, but they will need to play well to contain the Brazilians, who appear to be improving with each game.
The Canarinho opened with an uncertain 1-1 draw against Morocco, but looked far more fluent during their 3-0 success over Haiti.
They are focused on finishing first in the group, but they may need a wide-margin victory to hold off Morocco, who are beneath them on goal difference only.
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Scotland v Brazil Tips Summary
Best Bet - Brazil to win by one goal @ 11/4
Alternative Bet - Grant Hanley to be carded @ 5/2
Bet Builder - Vinicius Junior to score any time, Scott McTominay 1+ shots on target & under 4 goals @ 17/2
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Scotland v Brazil Prediction
Best Bet: Brazil to win by one goal @ 11/4
Brazil were 2-1 winners against Scotland in the group stage at World Cup 1998 and they may have to settle for another narrow success in Miami.
The main aim for Carlo Ancelotti's side is to finish top of their group, as they have done at the last 11 World Cups.
Ancedlotti's men would love to seal a wide-margin victory to give themselves the best chance of staying ahead of Morocco, but they will be facing a more disciplined defence than was the case against Haiti and could be vulnerable to Scottish set-piece situations.
The Scots' last four defeats have been by a single goal and they can keep things respectable as they do their utmost to advance to the next round.
Alternative Bet: Grant Hanley to be carded @ 5/2
Scotland can be reasonably pleased with their defensive work, having conceded just one goal across their opening two games.
However, central defender Grant Hanley had some tough moments against Morocco and was at fault for the opening goal when he tried to push up for offside and afforded Ismael Saibari plenty of time and space to finish past Angus Gunn.
Hanley faces an even tougher challenge against Brazil, who have a trio of fleet-footed forwards.
He was sent off twice for Hibernian during the 2025-26 Scottish Premiership season and may be about to collect his first World Cup caution.
Scotland v Brazil Bet Builder Tip
Vinicius Junior to score any time
Scott McTominay 1+ shots on target
Under 4 goals
Pays 17/2
Several big names players are reaching peak performance at the 2026 World Cup, including Vinicius Junior, who has netted in each of Brazil's two games.
The 25-year-old Real Madrid ace had a superb game against Haiti and his scoring streak can continue against Scotland, who lack the tools to cope with his speed and movement.
Scotland are likely to persist with the more cautious, one striker set-up they deployed for the 1-0 loss to Morocco.
Scott McTominay was the player given the greatest license to get into contact with lone forward Che Adams and he had a few moments of promise in and around the Atlas Lions' penalty box.
The 29-year-old will be one of Scotland's main threats against Brazil and he could register an effort on target.
The Scots will be keen to keep the game as tight as possible and their efforts can contribute to a low-scoring outcome.
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Key Match Stats
Brazil have scored two or more goals in four of their last five matches.
The Samba Stars have opened the scoring and won in four of their last five fixtures.
Six of Brazil's last eight games have featured less than four goals.
The Seleção have won their last six matches against Scotland.
Eight of Scotland's last 10 losses have been by a single goal.
Scotland have scored in six of their last seven competitive games.
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
