Vinícius Júnior’s seventh-minute punishment of a Scottish error turned Brazil’s night into control, and a 3-0 Scotland Brazil World Cup win sent the Seleção through on top of the group.
Vinícius Júnior crushes Scotland’s resistance
Brazil struck after 7 minutes when Vinícius capitalised on Scott McKenna’s misplaced pass and finished for 1-0. He had another effort ruled out by VAR in the 23rd minute after a foul in attack, but Scotland had already been warned.
The second arrived at 45 minutes, Casemiro’s cross finding Vinícius free at the far post for 2-0 at half-time. Angus Gunn then kept Scotland alive by denying Rayan one-on-one before the interval.
Neymar sparks samba noise in Brazil cameo
Matheus Cunha settled the match in the 60th minute after Bruno Guimarães set him up for Brazil’s third. The loudest emotional turn came in the 78th minute, when Neymar entered and brought a flash of samba to a game already decided.
Neymar’s cameo was tidy rather than decisive: 17 minutes, a 6.3 rating, 11 completed passes from 12, 2 key passes and 1 shot on target saved in the 90th minute. He failed his only dribble attempt and won 1 of 4 duels, but every touch carried expectation.
Alisson denies McTominay as Brazil control numbers
Scotland had territory without enough finish: 47% possession, 13 shots and 6 corners, with Scott McTominay’s headers repeatedly forcing Alisson into work. Brazil were sharper, producing 20 shots, 9 on target, 53% possession and a passing count listed at 543 to Scotland’s 447.
Vinícius now has 4 World Cup goals, level with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland and one behind Lionel Messi in a high-scoring tournament expanded to 48 teams. Brazil finish first on 7 points, while Scotland sit third on 3 points with slim hopes of advancing among the eight best third-placed teams.
Match Information
Competition: World Cup, Group Stage - 3. Date & Time: Thursday 25 June 2026, 00:00 CET. Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens. Referee: César Ramos Palazuelos, Mexico.
