What Scotland need against Brazil as World Cup knockout stage qualification chances are revealed | OneFootball

Every permutation for Scotland ahead of their final World Cup group game against Brazil in Miami

Scotland have World Cup knockout phase qualification in their sights ahead of facing Brazil in their final Group C fixture on Wednesday night.

After a 28-year absence from the global stage, Scotland are between 90 minutes and potentially two days away from progressing beyond the group stage at a World Cup for the first time ever.

Victory over Haiti in their first World Cup match since 1998 means despite losing to Morocco, Steve Clarke’s side are in with a chance of making history at World Cup 2026.

“Look, they are Brazil. They've got good players all over the pitch. So we know we have to be the best version of ourselves.

“I don’t think it’s a hard sell as far as my own players are concerned to convince them they can do this. I really don’t think it is.

“We've all been talking about living the dream. And now we are all here, actually living that dream. We're all at a world Cup after however many years away.

Rallying cry: Steve Clarke

Getty

The dream scenario for every Scotland fan is qualification is secured tonight, though it must be noted that failure to beat Brazil will not confirm another group stage exit straight after the final whistle.

How Scotland can qualify for World Cup knockout stage

A Scotland win over Brazil will confirm a place in the 2026 World Cup knockout phase, most likely as runners-up to Morocco, who are expected to beat Haiti in the other game in Group C which kick-off at the same time.

If Scotland finish second then they will face the winners of Group F - Netherlands, Japan or Sweden - in the last 32. While they would face the runners-up from that group if they progress as Group C winners.

A Scotland draw against Brazil should be enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams with four points.

A Scotland loss to Brazil would make things extremely difficult as Clarke’s side will then face an anxious wait as there are still nine other teams - including England - who could finish above them by virtue of a superior goal difference or greater goals scored in the group phase.

John McGinn has scored Scotland’s only World Cup goal so far

PA Wire

Ultimately, Scotland would be left sweating on results from elsewhere, potentially not discovering their fate until Friday evening after Senegal face Iraq.

The best eight third-placed teams will join the 12 group winners and 12 group runners-up in the last 32.

If Scotland do qualify in third, their reward will be a last 32 clash against a group winner - A/E/I - and as things currently stand, a showdown with tournament co-hosts Mexico is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1.