Brazil starting lineup vs Scotland confirmed as Neymar returns for FIFA World Cup 2026 match

Brazil and Scotland are facing each other for the fifth time in the FIFA World Cup.

Brazil are set to take on Scotland in their last group-stage game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the game is expected to feature exciting football.

The five-time champions, under Carlo Ancelotti, got a shaky start to their campaign. They faced last edition’s semi-finals in Morocco in their opening fixture. While Selecao were expected to play dominantly against the Atlas Lions, they gave a rather lacklustre performance, with creativity missing and lapses in defence evident.

However, their performance in the second game was better as they stunned Haiti 3-0. Manchester United attacker Matheus Cunha scored twice while Vinícius Júnior scored his second goal of the summer tournament.

Raphinha’s hamstring injury has become a concern for the Seleção, as the 29-year-old is expected to miss the remainder of the World Cup. Meanwhile, Neymar is expected to make his long-awaited return for the five-time champions at the global stage.

For Scotland, the journey so far has been bittersweet; they edged past Haiti 1-0 in their opening game, the exact scoreline to which they lost against Morocco in their recent fixture. A win for the Tartan Army will give them a comfortable place in the last 32, while any other result will leave them dangling until the end of the group stage.

Also Read: Qualification Scenarios if Brazil win, tie or lose vs Scotland at FIFA World Cup 2026

Brazil lineup for the FIFA World Cup match against Scotland

Brazil XI: Alisson Becker; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Douglas Santos; Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Lucas Paquetá; Rayan, Matheus Cunha, Vinícius Júnior.

Thoughts on the lineup

Liverpool star Alisson Becker will keep the gloves for the Seleção. In the back four, Danilo and Douglas Santos will be the full-backs, while captain Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães will form the centre-back duo.

Casemiro will play as the anchor of the side alongside Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá in the midfield. While Casemiro will add depth to the defence, Guimarães and Paquetá will help in the creative area.

Barcelona attacker Raphinha has been replaced by Rayan. Vinícius Junior and Matheus Cunha, who have scored two goals each for Brazil in the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far, will retain their spots in the attack.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.