Brazil secured top spot in Group C and advanced to the FIFA World Cup round of 32 with a flawless record after a convincing 3-0 victory over Scotland.
The five-time world champions made the perfect start, taking the lead in the seventh minute through Vinícius Júnior. A defensive mix-up at the back proved costly for Scotland as a misplaced back-pass from Scott McKenna was intercepted by the Real Madrid forward, who rounded goalkeeper Angus Gunn before calmly finishing into an empty net.
Vinícius thought he had doubled Brazil’s advantage in the 22nd minute, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review. Replays showed the winger had fouled a defender while winning possession in the build-up, leading the referee to overturn the decision.
The Brazilian star eventually got his second goal shortly before halftime. In first-half stoppage time, he capitalised on another defensive lapse from Scotland to slot home and give Brazil a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break.
The brace took Vinícius’ tally for Brazil to nine international goals. He has been one of the standout performers of the tournament, scoring four goals in three group-stage matches. Before the start of the 2026 World Cup, he had found the net five times in 36 appearances for the Seleção.
Brazil wrapped up the victory in the 61st minute when Matheus Cunha latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Bruno Guimarães and finished past Gunn to make it 3-0.
The result ensured Brazil finished as Group C winners with a perfect nine points from three matches, securing a favourable position heading into the knockout rounds.
For Scotland, the defeat left them third in the group on three points. Their hopes of progressing now depend on results elsewhere and whether their record is strong enough to earn a place among the best third-placed teams.
