Scotland vs Brazil: prediction & betting odds 24 June 2026

Form and Line-up Scotland

Scotland come into the match third in the group and with no room for error. The start has been uneven. In the opening round, Steve Clarke's team beat Haiti 1:0: John McGinn scored the winner in the 28th minute, and it was the first World Cup victory for the team since 1990. In the second round, everything fell apart after just 71 seconds: Ismael Saibari opened the scoring, and Morocco went on to complete a 1:0 win. The team improved after the break, but never managed to break the opponent down. Now the side remain in the playoff race, but the match against Brazil demands a perfect finish.

Scotland play with an emphasis on defence, duels and set pieces. Their strengths are a compact block, physicality and the forward runs of Scott McTominay and John McGinn from deep. The weak point is positional attack: against Morocco, there were few chances from open play. Andy Robertson and Nathan Patterson provide the width, but when they push high, space is left behind them. Against Brazil's pace, that is the main risk. The match is also physically difficult: after a tense game in Boston, the players need to recover quickly and again spend long spells without the ball.

Key numbers:

• In their last five matches, Scotland have scored nine goals and conceded three, but the Over 2.5 goals bet has landed in only two games.

• In four head-to-head World Cup matches, Scotland have never beaten Brazil: one draw and three defeats.

• In four of Scotland's last five matches, the Both Teams to Score – No bet has landed.

Probable line-up (3-5-2): Angus Gunn — Jack Hendry, Grant Hanley, Kieran Tierney — Nathan Patterson, Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson, John McGinn, Andy Robertson — Scott McTominay, Che Adams

Absentees: Kieran Tierney — doubtful, left the pitch against Morocco due to cramp

Form and Line-up Brazil

Brazil are top of the group and unbeaten. The draw with Morocco (1:1) was followed by a win over Haiti (3:0): Matheus Cunha scored twice, while Vinicius Junior added the third goal late in the first half. Carlo Ancelotti's team handled that match with their superior quality, kept a clean sheet and moved into first place on goal difference. But there is still no calm finish to the group stage: Morocco are playing Haiti at the same time, so it is important for the team not just to hold their place but to prevent their rival from overtaking them on goal difference.

Brazil more often operate in a 4-3-3 system: control of the ball plus quick vertical passes. Vinicius remains the main threat on the left, Cunha moves well between the lines, Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes hold the centre, and Lucas Paqueta adds passing into the final third. The main weapon is transitions after opponents lose the ball. If Scotland start to open up, Brazil will get exactly the spaces where Vinicius and Cunha are especially dangerous. The risk is Raphinha's condition: he picked up an injury in the match against Haiti, and his involvement in the match and the tournament remains doubtful. Neymar is close to returning, but after a spell out it is more logical to expect him as an option from the bench rather than as a starter.

Key numbers:

• If they finish level on points with Morocco, first place may be decided by goal difference, so the score in the parallel match will be important.

• In their last five matches, Brazil have scored 13 goals, and the Over 2.5 goals bet has landed in four of them.

• In Brazil's last six matches, both sides have scored.

Probable line-up (4-3-3): Alisson — Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos — Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Lucas Paqueta — Rayan, Vinicius Junior, Matheus Cunha.

Absentees: Raphinha, Neymar — doubtful

Who will referee the match 

César Ramos (Mexico) 

Matches – 8 (International matches, 2025 - 2026);

Average fouls per match – 24;

Average yellow/red cards per match (including second yellows) – 2,4;

Matches with a straight red card – 3 out of 8;

Matches with a penalty – 3 out of 8.