Scotland ahead of their historic clash with Brazil at the 2026 World Cup

Scotland fans feel their team has a chance to make history as the national team prepares to face Brazil in a crucial World Cup match. Tens of thousands of members of the Tartan Army came to Miami for this meeting, which will decide whether the Scots will advance to the next round of the tournament. Fans around the world will follow the clash, which will be broadcast live on the BBC. If Scotland manage to win or draw against the five-time world champions, they will secure a place in the knockout stages for the first time in their history. On Miami's South Beach, Larbert's Stevie Parker told BBC Scotland News: "I think they will pull it off. We feel we are on the cusp of history. This could be the year we finally break through. It will be a historic day and the perfect end to a long and difficult journey for the Tartan Army."  While fans have been in a party mood in recent days and weeks, they are now starting to analyze the situation. "I check my spreadsheets every day. We're not happy yet, but I feel like we should be OK," said Brian Guthrie of Inverness. "I took off work to be here, I'll be devastated if I don't make it. I'd like to go to Mexico City and my calculations say it's possible." For Ewen MacDonald, from Machrihanish in Argyll and Bute, the match is also a chance to write new history. The 44-year-old celebrated his birthday in Miami on Tuesday, exactly 28 years after he watched Scotland lose 3-0 to Morocco on his 16th birthday - a result that ended the nation's World Cup hopes in France 1998. That campaign also included a defeat against Brazil, whom Scotland will face today. The parallels were not lost on Ewen. Scotland lost to Morocco on June 23, 1998, and now they lost again last weekend. But with Brazil on the horizon, Ewen hopes Scotland's current squad will succeed where their predecessors failed and finally change the script. "This could be one of the best days of my life. I can't wait," he said. "It's my birthday. On my 16th birthday, I watched Scotland lose 3-0 to Morocco and get eliminated. I would love to see Scotland win the World Cup. It would make all my dreams come true." At home you will be able to watch the match live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The match at Miami Stadium is scheduled to start at 23:00 BST. Many large music venues, such as the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, will be showing the match on large screens. Many smaller venues - such as tennis and rugby clubs - will also organize viewing parties. Almost all Scottish boroughs have approved extensions to the opening hours of pubs and clubs to allow them to show matches beyond normal closing times. The Scottish Beer and Pub Association has estimated that Scotland's group games could generate an extra £7m for pubs and bars. Steve Clarke's side currently have three points from their first two group games. A victory over Brazil would guarantee a place in the next round, while a draw would almost certainly see Scotland advance for the first time in their history. A defeat will not end the team's chances, but they will then have to count on favorable results in other group matches. Fans will be keeping an eye on the table of the top third-placed teams, hoping Scotland remain amongthe eight best teams to advance. They may have to wait until all group matches finish on June 27 to find out whether Scotland progresses - before heading to Boston, New Jersey or Mexico City for their round of 16 clash. --- ## Related Articles 1. [Manchester United Eyes Scotland's Goalkeeper Gunn for World Cup 2026](https://pitchpulsemedia.com/en/news/manchester-united-eyes-scotlands-goalkeeper-gunn-for-world-cup-2026) 2. [World Cup 2026: Neymar - sự trở lại của anh hùng bị lãng quên của Brazil](https://banthangvn.com/vi/news/world-cup-2026-neymar-su-tro-lai-cua-anh-hung-bi-lang-quen-cua-brazil)