Scotland v Brazil: 2026 World Cup predictions, best bets and odds

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Brazil are buoyed by the return of Neymar as they seek to claim top spot in Group C, while Scotland still have a decent chance of advancing from the group stage of a major tournament for the first time. 

Find out more details about Scotland v Brazil

Brazil head into the final round of group stage fixtures in confident spirits. After opening with a lacklustre 1-1 draw against Morocco, Carlo Ancelotti's team showed immense improvement in their convincing victory over CONCACAF minnows Haiti.

Neymar's ongoing recovery has dominated the headlines in Brazil. The number 10 missed the first two World Cup matches due to a calf injury, but Ancelotti has confirmed the forward is likely to be ready to face Scotland.

Even without Neymar, Brazil have shown decent attacking quality in their opening two World Cup fixtures. Vinícius Júnior has taken on a leading role on the left, while Matheus Cunha has earned his place up front after scoring twice against Haiti. There is a question mark over the fitness of Raphinha, who is currently nursing a thigh injury.  

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Scotland come into this decider looking to cause an upset. The Scots have endured a mixed start to their campaign, beating Haiti 1-0, before losing to Morocco by the same scoreline over the weekend. A positive result against one of the tournament's most high-profile outfits might be needed if they are to avoid elimination. 

Steve Clarke relies on an experienced core of players to produce the goods, with the likes of Napoli's Scott McTominay and Premier League duo John McGinn and Andy Robertson taking on plenty of responsibility. These three contributors – and the rest of the Scottish squad – will need to be at their very best to keep pace with Brazil. 

Fancy a flutter? Check out our betting tips for this crucial Group C encounter. 

Scotland v Brazil – Predictions

Brazil to win: 4/11 (bet365)

Vinícius Júnior to score or assist: 4/6 (bet365)

Brazil to win to nil: 1/1 (bet365)

Odds courtesy of bet365 for this match. Odds correct at time of publication and subject to change.

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Back the favourites

Unsurprisingly, the bookmakers have installed Brazil as heavy favourites ahead of Wednesday's tie. Brazil will see this match as an opportunity to allay the fears of the Brazilian support, who have criticised their team's performance levels on several occasions in recent months. 

Carlo Ancelotti will be eager for key attacking players – such as Vinícius Júnior, Lucas Paquetá, and Matheus Cunha – to step up to the plate, while Neymar's experience, leadership, and calming presence could prove vital in a potentially chaotic contest.  

Prediction: Brazil to win: 4/11 (bet365)

Explanation: This bet will land if Brazil win the match

Vini's magic

Vinícius Júnior performed well against both Morocco and Haiti, so don't be surprised if he produces another strong display on Wednesday night. The Real Madrid star netted Brazil's equaliser in the 1-1 draw with the North Africans, before registering a goal and an assist to help his team put Haiti to the sword. 

It'll be interesting to see who Steve Clarke believes is best equipped to deal with the threat of Vinícius Júnior down Brazil's left-hand flank, after selecting a different right-back in each of Scotland's first two outings. Brentford defender Aaron Hickey started the win over Haiti, while Nathan Patterson was deployed on the right-hand side of defence on Friday evening.

Prediction: Vinícius Júnior to score or assist: 4/6 (bet365)

Explanation: This bet lands if Vinícius Júnior either scores or provides an assist (or both!)

Goal-shy Scotland

If Scotland have any realistic chance of taking at least a point, they need to dramatically improve their attacking output. Steve Clarke's men registered fewer shots than their opponents in both of their opening encounters, a slightly embarrassing statistic when you consider Haiti's only previous appearance in a World Cup came over half a century ago. 

Given Scotland's inability to create clear-cut chances in the final third, Brazil might be tempted to throw extra bodies forward. That may lead to counter-attacking opportunities for the Scots, who boast the creative talents of Scott McTominay, Andy Robertson, and John McGinn in their ranks.

However, we think Scotland may struggle to find the net. 

Prediction: Brazil to win to nil: 1/1 (bet365)

Explanation: This bet will land if Brazil win the match without conceding a goal. 

Scotland v Brazil – Match Result odds

Scotland: 7/1 (bet365)

Draw: 4/1 (bet365)

Brazil: 4/11 (bet365)

Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.