Scotland vs Brazil preview: Neymar available to face Scots

Neymar’s availability for Brazil’s World Cup clash with Scotland at Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday could shift the balance in Group C, where both sides sit level on three points after opening wins. The Seleção’s talisman is back in training after missing the opening victory over Haiti, and his presence alone changes the tactical landscape for Fernando Diniz’s side. Scotland, meanwhile, will need to show the same resilience they displayed against Morocco if they are to avoid becoming the first group-stage victims of Brazil’s attacking firepower.

Why Neymar’s return matters now

Brazil’s 4-0 win over Haiti in their opener was built on collective intensity rather than individual brilliance, but the difference between that performance and a more controlled approach against Scotland may come down to Neymar’s fitness. The forward missed the first match after picking up a knock in training, and his recovery timeline has been closely monitored. With the World Cup expanded to 48 teams and group dynamics tighter than ever, every available player boosts a side’s chances of progressing. Scotland, who held Morocco to a 1-1 draw in their first match, will face a Brazil side that has already shown they can dominate possession and create chances in volume.

Diniz has used the extra recovery day to integrate Neymar into the squad’s rhythm, suggesting the Brazilian will start against the Scots. His presence would allow Brazil to deploy a more fluid front three, with Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo providing the width while Neymar operates between the lines. That trio’s collective movement was absent against Haiti, where goals from Endrick, Raphinha, and Bruno Fernandes arrived through rapid transitions rather than sustained build-up play. Against Scotland, a more patient approach may be required—especially if the Scots set up compactly, as they did against Morocco.

The tactical puzzle for both sides

Scotland’s manager will be acutely aware that Brazil’s midfield—featuring Bruno Fernandes, Lucas Paquetá, and João Gomes—can overrun most opponents in possession. The Seleção averaged 62% possession in their opener, and Scotland’s midfield will need to press aggressively to force turnovers. However, their own midfield struggled to impose themselves against Morocco, and a repeat performance could leave their defence exposed. If Brazil’s full-backs, Danilo and Alex Telles, push high up the pitch, Scotland’s wingers will need to track back quickly to avoid being outnumbered.

For Brazil, the challenge is to avoid complacency. Their opening win was clinical, but Scotland’s defensive organisation in the second half against Morocco showed they can frustrate more technical sides. The Scots’ set-piece threat—evident in their equaliser against Morocco—will also demand Brazil’s full-backs stay alert at set pieces. If Neymar starts, his ability to draw fouls and create half-chances could be the difference in a game where neither side can afford a loss.

What comes next for both teams

Brazil’s path to the knockout stages becomes clearer with Neymar fit. A win would likely secure top spot in the group, while Scotland’s fate hinges on results elsewhere in the group. A draw would keep their hopes alive, but a defeat could leave them needing a miracle against Morocco in their final match. The Scots’ direct style—long balls to Scott McTominay and Lyndon Dykes—has worked in patches, but Brazil’s defensive structure, anchored by Marquinhos, will look to nullify that threat.

The contrast in approaches makes this an intriguing tactical battle. Brazil’s technical superiority is undeniable, but Scotland’s resilience under pressure has already been proven. If Neymar’s inclusion allows Brazil to play with more control, the Scots may need a moment of individual brilliance to break through. For Diniz, the priority is to avoid overcommitting forward and leaving spaces for counter-attacks—something Scotland exploited against Morocco.

As the clock ticks down to kick-off, the question isn’t just whether Neymar will start, but how Scotland’s game plan adapts to the threat he poses. One thing is certain: a draw would leave both sides in a precarious position, while a win for either could set up a winner-takes-all finale in the group.