Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr. takes a shot against Scotland in a 2026 World Cup group stage match Wednesday in Miami Gardens, Fla. Photo by Cristobal Herrera-Ulashkevich/EPA
Bagpipe wails faded as the canary yellow clad Brazilians blasted Scotland, securing first place in Group C at the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday at Miami Stadium.
Vinicius Jr. toyed with the Scottish defense, stringing the ball on his boot for two scores in the first half of the 3-0 triumph. Fellow forward Matheus Cunha scored Brazil’s other goal, while winger Bruno Guimaraes tallied two assists.
The Brazilians outshot the Scots 20-13 in the shutout. With his two scores, Vinicius pushed his tournament total to four, which is tied with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe for the second-most at the World Cup.
Brazil scoring leader Neymar Jr., who sat out the first two group-stage games due to a calf injury, also made his debut in the 76th minute, drawing thunderous applause from the crowd of 64,478.
A Dark Blues (1-2-0) blunder led to Vinicius’ first goal just 6:46 into the Group C finale. Brazilian forward Rayan deflected a clearance attempt from defender Scott McKenna. The ball ricocheted to Vinicius, who faked goalie Angus Gunn and tapped in from point-blank range.
Vinicius appeared to score a brace in the 22nd minute, but that goal was disallowed because of a foul. He compensated for the error with a header in first-half stoppage time, giving Brazil a 2-0 lead at the break. That score came off a cross from Guimaraes.
Guimaraes also assisted Cunha for the first goal of the second half. The Brazilian winger set up that 60th-minute score by dribbling into the box and slipping a short pass to his right for Cunha, who used his first touch to find the right side of the goal.
The Brazilians (2-0-1) will face the second-place team from Group F in the Round of 32. The Moroccans (2-0-1), who beat Haiti 4-2 on Wednesday, will take on the winner of Group F in the Round of 32.
The Netherlands (1-0-1) leads Group F, ahead of second-place Japan (1-0-1). Sweden (1-1-0) also remains in contention, while the last-place Tunisias (0-2-0) are already eliminated.
Fans go all out in support at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Ghana fans dance in the stands before the start of the of the FIFA World Cup match between England and Ghana at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., on June 23, 2026. Photo by CJ Gunther/UPI | License Photo
