Brazil will seek to secure their place in the last 32 of the World Cup when they face Scotland on Wednesday as the tournament moves into a schedule of six matches per day.
The five-time world champions are expected to progress, but Scotland arrive in Miami aiming to reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history. Morocco, who held Brazil to a 1-1 draw earlier in the tournament, face already-eliminated Haiti and remain in contention to finish top of Group C. Such a result could affect Brazil's route through the later stages of the competition.
Neymar fit for Scotland clash, says Ancelotti
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Tuesday that Neymar had recovered from injury and could make his first appearance of the tournament against Scotland. “He can play, he's doing well, he trained very well. I'm very happy with him,” Ancelotti said. The Italian added that the forward brings experience, game awareness and support for younger players. Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023.
Neymar's return would help offset the absence of winger Raphinha, who is expected to be sidelined for around two weeks through injury. Brazil and Scotland have previously met four times in World Cup group-stage matches, with Brazil recording three victories and one draw. Their only draw came in 1974, when Brazil advanced ahead of Scotland on goal difference.
Mexico through; Group A qualification race tightens
Co-hosts Mexico have already secured a place in the knockout round after winning Group A with two victories. They will face the Czech Republic, who require a win to retain hopes of reaching the last 32. South Africa improved significantly in their previous match to draw with the Czech Republic after losing 2-0 to Mexico in the opening game, in which they had two players sent off. They must defeat South Korea to keep their qualification hopes alive, while the Koreans are also targeting a place in the knockout phase.
Canada and Switzerland vie for top spot in Vancouver
In Group C, co-hosts Canada meet Switzerland in Vancouver with top spot at stake. Despite their positions, both teams could still miss out on qualification with a heavy defeat. Bosnia-Herzegovina face Qatar in the group's other fixture. Qatar, hosts of the 2022 World Cup, were beaten 6-0 by Canada in their previous outing. Both sides retain an outside chance of progressing.
Wednesday marks the first of four consecutive days featuring six matches, following the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams.
Ronaldo First to Score in Six World Cups
On Tuesday, Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cups. The 41-year-old responded to criticism following Portugal’s opening 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo by scoring twice in a 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in Houston.
Ronaldo said it had been a difficult week following criticism directed at the players and coach Roberto Martinez.
England were held to a 0-0 draw by Ghana, leaving qualification for the last 32 dependent on their final group match against Panama, who were eliminated after a 1-0 defeat to Croatia.
Ghana must avoid defeat against Croatia in their final fixture to progress. Coach Carlos Queiroz argued his side should have been awarded a second-half penalty after a challenge by Ezri Konsa on Prince Adu.
Colombia secured their place in the last 32 with a 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo.
