Scotland v Brazil – Old Friends Reunited at World Cup’s Carnival Contest

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The Celtic Star

·19 December 2025

Scotland v Brazil – Old Friends Reunited at World Cup’s Carnival Contest

Scotland v Brazil, FIFA World Cup – Wednesday, 24 June 2025 – 6pm kick off local time, (11pm kick off UK time), Miami Stadium, Miami, USA…

Brazil 2-1 Scotland 10.06.1998 in Paris St Denis. World Cup 1998 Opening Match Brazil v Scotland. PhotoIMAGO / Horstmüller

Scotland’s meeting with Brazil at the 2026 World Cup Finals instantly became one of the standout fixtures of the group stage when the draw was made. For Steve Clarke’s side, it is a glamorous but daunting assignment: five-time world champions, tournament pedigree in abundance, and a history that has rarely been kind to the Scots on this stage. However in each of the three meetings in World Cup Finals in 1974, 1982 and 1998 Scotland has each time given Brazil plenty to think about and Non-GamStop-Betting enthusiasts will be looking closely at this match anticipating that Scotland can perhaps replicate the 1974 meeting by taking a point from one of the tournament favourites.

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World Cup France 1998 Scottish supporters play ing football against people who gather under the Eiffel Tower in France before the opening match of Scotland v Brazil. Photo Brian Harris/IMAGO

Reaction to the draw

From the Scotland camp, there’s obviously plenty of realism mixed with just a hint of relish. Senior players have spoken about the “once-in-a-career” feel of facing Brazil at a World Cup, while acknowledging that discipline without the ball and bravery in possession will be essential. Pundits north of the border have largely framed the tie as a free hit: a chance to test Scotland’s defensive structure against elite attackers, and an opportunity to play without the suffocating expectation that can accompany matches against more comparable opponents.

Scotland supporters on the autoroute A1 en route June 1998 to the Stade de France in Paris for the opening game of the World Cup against Brazil World Cup France 1998. Photo IMAGO

Brazilian reaction has been respectful rather than dismissive. Former Seleção internationals on Brazilian television highlighted Scotland’s physicality, set-piece threat and organisational strength, warning against complacency. There has also been recognition that Scotland tend to raise their level against the biggest names, particularly at major tournaments, making this more than a routine group game.

World Cup France 1998 Supporters of Brazil who played in the opening game against Scotland on the Champs Elysees in Paris. Photo : Brian Harris/IMAGO

The Tactical Battle

Scotland are expected to be compact, prioritising a disciplined defensive block and looking to transition quickly, especially down the flanks. Set plays could be a key weapon. Brazil, by contrast, will look to dominate possession, stretch the pitch and isolate defenders one-v-one, trusting their technical quality to create openings even against a well-drilled back line.

A brief history: Scotland v Brazil at the World Cup

1974 World Cup – First Round, Group Two: Scotland 0 Brazil 0 Scotland s Peter Lorimer, with Brazil s Nelinho, left, at the Waldstadion, Frankfurt. 18 06 1974. Photo IMAGO/Colorsport

1974 FIFA World Cup in West Germany

Football 6 June 1974 World Cup Scotland v Brazil the World Cup Game between Scotland and Brazil at Frankfurt Waldstadion ended 0-0. 18 June. Photo shows Dalglish from Scotland No 8 at battles for the ball with Two Brazilian players. Photo United Archives/Keystone/IMAGO

The first meeting came in West Germany and remains one of Scotland’s most cherished World Cup results. A resolute Scottish side held a star-studded Brazil to a goalless draw, a match remembered for defensive discipline and goalkeeping heroics. It laid the foundation for Scotland leaving the tournament unbeaten but still exiting on goal difference — a familiar tale. Billy Bremner, the little Leeds United terrier almost won it for Scotland but it was not to be.

1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain

Gordon Strachan and Cerezo (Brazil) . Scotland v Brazil. World Cup 1982. 18.06.1982. Photo imago/Colorsport

Eight years later in Spain, the sides met again, and this time Brazil’s attacking flair told. Scotland battled gamely but were undone by moments of quality, losing 4–1 in a game that underlined the gulf at the highest level while also showcasing Scotland’s willingness to compete rather than sit back. Dundee United’s David Narey sent the Scottish nation wild with a world strike from the edge of the box to give Scotland the lead. Jimmy Hill called it a toe poke and the tartan Army called him plenty of things after that.

1998 FIFA World Cup in France

John Collins Scores Penalty Brazil v Scotland 10 June 1998. Photo Imago/Allstar

Perhaps the most famous encounter came in the opening match of France ’98. Scotland produced a stirring performance, with John Collins’ penalty giving them a deserved equaliser, only for an unfortunate own goal by Tom Boyd to hand Brazil a 2–1 victory. Despite defeat, Scotland earned widespread admiration for pushing the eventual finalists close on the global stage.

The story continues in Miami in 2026

Tartan Army at Brazil v Scotland 18 June 1998 Photo IMAGO/Allstar

Those three previous meetings form part of World Cup folklore and it’s fitting that after failing to qualify since 1998 Scotland meet up with our old friends. The two sets of supporters will bring colour and atmosphere to the 2026 World Cup and although Scotland have never beaten Brazil at a World Cup, there’s a first time for everything.

In 2026, the challenge is the same as before for Scotland. Stay in the contest long enough to believe, take any chances that arise, and hope history might finally tilt in our favour — even against the most illustrious opponents football can offer.

Scotland Fans Brazil v Scotland, 10 June 1998 Photo IMAGO/Allstar

Steve Clarke’s Scotland side has the chance to secure qualification in the first two games, with two wins they’d not need to rely on taking anything from Brazil. But twice Scotland ran Brazil close and even in 1982 we gave them alright thanks to Narey’s big toe.