In a thrilling encounter, Scotland takes on Brazil in the World Cup 2026, with Bournemouth’s promising winger Ben Gannon-Doak making his starting debut. Lawrence Shankland also earns his first start in this tournament, while Scott McKenna steps into the central defense and Kenny McLean joins the midfield. This marks a more aggressive approach from coach Steve Clarke, who has made several changes, leaving out Grant Hanley, Kieran Tierney, Ryan Christie, and Ché Adams.
Scotland’s lineup features: Gunn, Patterson, McKenna, Hendry, Robertson, Doak, McLean, Ferguson, McGinn, McTominay, and Shankland. The substitutes include Kelly, Gordon, Hickey, Hanley, Tierney, Fletcher, Dykes, Adams, Christie, Stewart, Souttar, Hyam, Hirst, Ralston, and Curtis.
On the other side, Brazil fields Alisson, da Silva Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos, Guimaraes, Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta, Rayan, Cunha, and Vinicius Junior, with substitutes Weverton, Ederson, Alex Sandro, Bremer, Leo Pereira, Ibanez, Ederson Silva, Fabinho, dos Santos Danilo, Neymar, Endrick, Luiz Henrique, Martinelli, and Thiago ready to step in.
The official match referee is Cesar Arturo Ramos Palazuelos from Mexico.
Despite the talent that Brazil typically showcases, this iteration of the Seleção has prompted a more subdued atmosphere at home, reminiscent of Elis Regina’s rendition of Aquarela do Brasil rather than Tom Jobim’s.
Paul MacInnes, reporting from Miami, has been engaging with the Tartan Army and notes an emerging American tradition: “Baxter frequently had the Brazilians bemused as he spread the play or cleverly sent them the wrong way with a body swerve,”
As a reminder regarding FIFA’s weather protocol, any thunder or lightning within an eight-mile radius of Miami Stadium will result in players heading to their dressing rooms. A 30-minute countdown will commence, and if no additional strikes occur, the teams will return for a 15-minute warm-up before resuming play. However, should lightning strike again during the countdown, the clock resets. Previous matches, such as the recent France vs. Iraq game, faced similar delays, suggesting a potentially lengthy night ahead.
“I just shared a lift at Miami Stadium with Denilson. He has particularly small feet.
On matters less personal… black clouds are not far in the distance, raising the possibility of a storm delay at some point in this game. Scotland hope the weather is the only threat to their hopes for a smooth evening. Wishful thinking, I fear.
Expect Ben Gannon-Doak to return to the Scotland team. Raphinha misses out for Brazil, with the key intrigue surrounding whether or not Carlo Ancelotti deploys Neymar from the start.”
Historically, Scotland has struggled against Brazil, with a record of ten matches resulting in no wins, two draws, and eight losses. However, the statistics do not tell the complete story. The two nations first clashed in a friendly match at Hampden Park prior to the 1966 World Cup, where Jim Baxter’s clever pass allowed Stevie Chalmers to score early. Although Servilio equalized soon after, Baxter’s performance had the Brazilians puzzled. A report noted, “Scotland captured almost everything but the victory their play so richly deserved.”
The first competitive match between the teams also ended in a draw at the 1974 World Cup, where the Scots exited the tournament without a loss, albeit they failed to advance past the group stage. Brazil has triumphed in their three subsequent World Cup encounters, with Scotland suffering misfortune in 1990 and 1998, while the 4-1 defeat in 1982 was a stark reminder of Brazil’s prowess.
Though this current Brazilian squad may not be their strongest, they still boast talents like Vinícius Júnior, Matheus Cunha, Rayan, and Neymar. Scotland’s chances hinge on the performance of Scott McTominay and John McGinn if they are to cause an upset. Interestingly, Scotland does not necessarily need a win or even a draw to progress; results in other groups could still allow them to advance despite another heavy defeat. Fans are hoping at least for a point tonight, while acknowledging that the outcome is not entirely pivotal.
*Kick-off is scheduled for 11 PM BST. It’s on!
*Am I being overly dramatic? Perhaps, but it’s part of the job.
