Evening Standard
·22 Juni 2026
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·22 Juni 2026
Neymar could feature as Brazil look to top group
Brazil take on Scotland in Miami as they look to secure top spot in Group C and a smooth passage through to the 2026 World Cup knockout stage.
After an opening draw with Morocco - where the Atlas Lions thoroughly outplayed them - the Selecao dispatched Haiti without ever looking truly convincing.
In that opener, Carlo Ancelotti swapped out Casemiro for Fabinho and subbed Brentford’s Igor Thiago for Matheus Cunha.
Cunha duly started against Haiti and bagged a double, so will start against Scotland.
But Raphinha picked up a hamstring injury against Haiti and will miss this game: Ancelotti must rejig his attack.
The Italian now has Neymar to call on, who he confirmed “will be available” after missing the first two games due to a calf injury.
He could start on the right wing in Raphinha’s place, but the left-footed Rayan, 19, is a more natural fit there.
Starter: Rayan may replace injured Raphinha
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Vinicius Jr - who has scored in both games - is a guaranteed starter on the left wing.
Lucas Paqueta, Bruno Guimaraes appear to be a settled midfield three - despite Casemiro’s shaky first half against the African side.
Danilo came in against Haiti, replacing Roger Ibanez at right-back, who was also dragged off at half-time in the opener.
Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes are the tournament’s best centre-back pairing, while Douglas Santos is solid in both defence and attack.
Liverpool’s Alisson is Brazil’s undisputed no1, keeping out former Man City ‘keeper Ederson, who now plays for Fenerbahce
Other options on the bench include 19-year-old striker Endrick and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, but they lack much attacking depth beyond that - especially with Raphina’s injury.
Predicted Brazil XI: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Guimaraes, Casemiro, Paqueta; Rayan, Cunha, Vinicius Jr
Injured: Raphinha
Date and time: 11pm BST on Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida
How to watch: BBC One and iPlayer







































