Brazil vs. Scotland, World Cup result: Vinícius Júnior scores in 3-0 win as Neymar returns to action

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Brazil’s Vinicius Junior (7) celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Scotland and Brazil in Miami Gardens, Florida, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) Brazil secured top spot in Group C with a convincing 3–0 victory over Scotland at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, completing an unbeaten campaign in the group stage and advancing to the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as group winners. Vinícius Júnior shone with goals in the 7th and 45th +3. minute before Matheus Cunha added a third in the 60th minute, while Neymar made his long-awaited return to the World Cup for the first time since Brazil’s quarter-final defeat by Croatia at Qatar 2022 with a late substitute appearance.For Scotland, defeat ended an encouraging but ultimately difficult group campaign. Steve Clarke’s side finished third with three points after beating Haiti before narrow defeats to Morocco and Brazil, so their hopes of progressing depend on the final ranking of the tournament’s top third-placed teams.

Vinícius punishes Scotland while Brazil take complete control

Both teams entered the final match of Group C with significant goals. Brazil needed at least a draw to guarantee top spot, while Scotland knew that avoiding defeat would secure their first ever qualification for the World Cup knockout stages.Brazil regained control inside seven minutes after Scotland were caught trying to build patiently from the back. Scott McKenna’s misplaced pass under pressure fell temptingly to Vinícius Júnior, who responded immediately, bursting into the box and calmly slotting past Angus Gunn into the bottom right corner to give Brazil a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute.

Brazil’s Vinicius Junior (7) scores a goal against Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn (1) during their World Cup Group C soccer match in Miami Gardens, Florida, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

The Real Madrid forward thought he had doubled Brazil’s advantage in the 22nd minute after another flowing move, only for a lengthy VAR review to disallow the goal due to a foul by Marquinhos on Jack Hendry during the set-up.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti reacts to a non-goal referee’s decision during the World Cup Group C soccer match against Scotland in Miami Gardens, Florida, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Scotland responded positively despite falling behind. In the 34th minute, Scott McTominay latched on to a loose pass from Casemiro before unleashing a ferocious 25-yard effort that dipped dangerously towards goal and forced Alisson Becker into a superb save over the bar.

Scotland’s Scott McTominay (4) heads the ball for a corner kick during the World Cup Group C soccer match against Brazil in Miami Gardens, Florida, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Brazil eventually found a second goal deep into first-half stoppage time. In the 45th and 3rd minute, after a partially cleared corner, Bruno Guimarães recycled possession and delivered an accurate cross to the far post. Vinicius moved away from him rose highest to head a downward header past Gunn to give Brazil a commanding 2-0 lead at the break.

Brazil’s Vinicius Junior (7) scores his team’s second goal during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Scotland and Brazil in Miami Gardens, Florida, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Cunha completes the victory before Neymar returns to the World Cup scene

Brazil continued with the same attacking intent after the break and effectively ended the game on the hour mark.In the 60th minute, Guimarães delivered the decisive pass again, putting a piercing ball through Scotland’s defensive line. Matheus Cunha timed his run perfectly to stay put before taking his first touch and emphatically firing into the net for Brazil’s third goal.

Brazil’s Matheus Cunha (9) scores a goal against Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn (1) during a World Cup Group C soccer match in Miami Gardens, Florida, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Despite the score, Scotland continued to create moments of danger. Billy Gilmour produced an excellent through ball to set John McGinn free, whose first-time effort beat Alisson but hit the inside of the post before Éder Militão completed the clearance. Substitute Tommy Conway also headed wide from Andy Robertson’s inviting delivery late in the contest.

Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker (1) makes a save during the World Cup Group C soccer match against Scotland in Miami Gardens, Florida, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

The biggest ovation of the night came in the 76th minute when Neymar replaced Matheus Cunha. It was the Brazil captain’s first World Cup appearance since the quarter-final against Croatia on 9 December 2022 and his first international appearance since sustaining a serious knee injury during Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay on 17 October 2023.

Brazil’s Neymar (10) prepares to take the field during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Scotland and Brazil in Miami Gardens, Florida, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

The 34-year-old immediately settled into his familiar playmaker role as Brazil comfortably managed possession. He produced one attempt on goal after a free-kick was initially blocked into his path, hitting first-time from distance, although Angus Gunn gathered comfortably.

Brazil’s Neymar (10) celebrates after the World Cup Group C soccer match between Scotland and Brazil in Miami Gardens, Florida, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Vinícius joins the legendary Brazilian company

The trip capped another exceptional night for Vinícius, who finished the group stage with four goals after also scoring once against Morocco, once against Haiti and twice against Scotland.He became the first Brazilian player in 24 years to score in all three World Cup group stage matches, joining an exclusive group of Brazilian greats that included Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002, Romario in 1994 and Jairzinho during Brazil’s title-winning campaign in 1970. His four goals also put him firmly among the tournament’s top scorers heading into the knockout stages, sitting just behind Lionel Messi with five goals and level with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, making him a strong contender for the Golden Boot.

Brazil came out on top, while Scotland face a tense wait

Brazil finished Group C unbeaten with seven points after a 1-1 draw with Morocco, a 3-0 win over Haiti and a 3-0 win against Scotland.The final standings of Group C ended:

  • Brazil — 7 points (qualified as Group C winner)
  • Morocco — 5 points (qualified)
  • Scotland — 3 points
  • Haiti — 1 point

Brazil now advance to the Round of 32 as Group C winners, bringing strong momentum into the knockout stage after conceding just one goal during the group stage.For Scotland, the tournament is not yet mathematically over. Their third-place finish with three points keeps them in contention for one of the top eight third-place qualifying spots, although their negative goal difference leaves them reliant on results elsewhere in their remaining group stage matches to determine whether their 2026 World Cup campaign goes ahead.