Scotland's World Cup hopes took a major dent after signing off their Group C campaign with a 3-0 defeat by Brazil in Miami.
Steve Clarke's men finish the pool phase in third place on three points and will now face an anxious wait to discover if they are one of the best-ranked third-placed teams.
Their goal difference of -3 may count against them and they will head back to their Charlotte base looking for favours elsewhere and licking their wounds after a masterclass from the Brazilians.
Clarke made four changes to the team that started the narrow 1-0 defeat by Morocco last time out. Scott McKenna came in at centre-half, Kenny McLean was put in midfield, Ben Gannon-Doak was deployed out wide and Lawrence Shankland started up front. Kieran Tierney, Grant Hanley, Ryan Christie and Che Adams made way.
Scotland started the game well and were composed, but shot themselves in the foot dreadfully on seven minutes. There seemed little danger when McKenna had possession under minimal pressure from Rayan, but he lost control of it and his clearance was blocked by the winger. The ball fell to Vinicius Junior and he rounded keeper Angus Gunn and finished easily.
Another gift came on 22 minutes, this time from McKenna's central defensive side-kick Jack Hendry. He dallied too long and Vinicius nicked the ball off him and netted. However, VAR Guillermo Pacheco spotted a foul on Hendry from the Brazilian forward and the goal was ruled out.
The hydration break came at a good time for Scotland, who regrouped. They forced a flurry of corners but were able to make any of them count. At the other end, the lively Rayan blazed over after creating some space on the edge of the penalty box.
Scotland survived a greater scare right on 45 minutes when a combination of Hendry and Nathan Patterson blocked an effort from Matheus Cunha on the goalline. They were clinging on for half time but they couldn't hold out.
In the fourth minute of stoppage time, John McGinn was outmuscled, Bruno Guimaraes swung in a cross that Gunn was caught under and Vinicius Jnr headed in from close range.
It could have been 3-0 right before the whistle, but Gunn made an excellent save from Rayan after sublime Brazilian build-up play.
Kieran Tierney came on for captain Andy Robertson at the break and he set up Scotland's first effort on target on 49 minutes, swinging in a cross that Scott McTominay headed straight at Brazilian keeper Alisson.
Normal service resumed swiftly. Two minutes later, Vinicius Jnr was sent through on goal but Gunn spread himself well and saved.
The third goal came on the hour mark. Brazil sliced Scotland open again and this time Cunha slotted home after good work from Bruno Guimaraes.
Scotland were on the floor. A goal was badly needed. Tierney was wiped out on the edge of the box. Ferguson's free-kick was beaten away by Alisson, who then parried a McTominay header.
Brazil went hunting for more goals and Gunn made another good save from Vinicius Jnr. McTominay saw a close-range effort saved in stoppage time. The margin of defeat ended up three goals. Now it's a waiting game for Scotland.
We give the players marks out of ten for their performances against Brazil.

. Brazil's Vinicius Junior celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game as Scotland's Scott McKenna (centre) appears dejected during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match at Miami Stadium, Florida. Picture date: Wednesday June 24, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.
Scotland lost 3-0 to Brazil at the World Cup. | Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

5. Andy Robertson
The Scotland captain was one of the better defenders up against a lively Rayan. Not able to get forward. Came off at the break for Tierney. 4 | Getty Images

6. Lewis Ferguson
Energetic but not as influential as in previous games. Stung palms of Alisson with a free-kick. 5 | AFP via Getty Images

7. Kenny McLean
Shrugged off the ball too easily for the third Brazil goal. Toiled with the Brazilian midfield all night. One really strong driving run towards end. 4 | Getty Images

8. Ben Gannon-Doak
One chance in the first half but miscued the ball. Limited opportunities to run with the ball and when they came, he was well patrolled. 4 | Getty Images


