When the draw was made for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Scotland fans were handed a familiar name to contend with.

The Scots made it back to international football’s biggest stage for the first time in 28 years after beating Denmark 4-2 in their final qualifying match. It was a match they had little room for slip-ups in, with a loss or a draw meaning they’d have to win their way through further matches in the playoffs to secure qualification – something Denmark weren’t so lucky in getting through.

Brazil, the five-time world champions, are one of the most iconic footballing nations on the planet, and an opponent Scotland know all too well from their World Cup history.

The two sides have met at the tournament on four previous occasions, each one a chapter in a long-running story that’s featured some of the most legendary players both nations have ever produced. From the Brazilian sides packed with players like Zico, Socrates, Dunga and Ronaldo, to Scotland squads built around the likes of Billy Bremner, Kenny Dalglish, and John Collins.

Scotland return to the World Cup stage in Group C this summer. They’ll play Haiti, followed by a tough match-up against Morocco, before facing the Selecao for the fifth time at a World Cup in the last match of the group, one that might require them to take points from Carlo Ancelotti’s men in order to progress from the group stage for the first time ever.

Before that showdown in Miami on the 24th of June, here’s a look back at every time these two sides have met at a World Cup.

1

1974 – West Germany

Scotland 0-0 Brazil

Scotland’s first World Cup encounter with Brazil came in 1974, and it was a physical, tense affair that produced no goals but plenty of drama.

The match featured some of the great names of 1970s football, Jairzinho and Rivelino lining up for the world champions, with Billy Bremner, Kenny Dalglish, and Peter Lorimer representing the Scots, yet the game descended into a grinding battle rather than a showcase of talent. Scotland stood firm throughout and came away with a hard-fought point against the reigning world champions, drawing 0-0. The result left them well-placed to qualify from the group, but a 1-1 draw against Yugoslavia was ultimately not enough. Scotland went home having not lost a single game, the cruel victim of goal difference.

2

1982 – Spain

Scotland 1-4 Brazil

The 1982 meeting in Seville is one of the most memorable Scotland have ever played at a World Cup, for the most bittersweet of reasons.

David Narey‘s thunderous long-range strike gave Scotland a shock early lead, silencing a Brazilian side containing some of the finest attacking talent the game has ever seen. Zico, Socrates and Falcao were all in that squad, and they responded brilliantly. Zico levelled before half-time, and the floodgates opened in the second half with goals from Oscar, Eder, and a late Falcao strike completing a 4-1 win. Narey’s goal has passed into Scottish folklore, even though what happened after wasn’t quite as memorable.

3

1990 – Italy

Scotland 0-1 Brazil

Italia ’90 began in the worst way possible for Scotland, losing their opening group game to Costa Rica. They redeemed themselves with a 2-1 win over Sweden, meaning their final encounter with Brazil in Turin was a must-win.

It was a tight and tense match, with Scotland defending resolutely against a Brazilian side that included Romario and Dunga in their starting lineup. Scotland goalkeeper Jim Leighton made a series of important saves to keep his side in the contest, but when Muller came off the bench and capitalised on a parry from Leighton in the 81st minute, Scotland’s World Cup dream was effectively over. The 1-0 defeat, combined with Costa Rica’s win over Sweden elsewhere in the group, confirmed Scotland’s exit at the group stage yet again.

4

1998 – France

Scotland 1-2 Brazil

Scotland’s most recent World Cup meeting with Brazil, and arguably the most dramatic, came in the opening game of the 1998 tournament at the Stade de France.

Brazil, featuring Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, and Rivaldo, were overwhelming favourites, but Scotland more than matched them for long periods. An early Brazilian goal was cancelled out by a composed John Collins penalty, and for a period Scotland dared to dream. It was not to be. A Tommy Boyd own goal sealed defeat for the Scots, with the ball deflecting cruelly off his chest from a saved Cafu shot. Scotland went on to be eliminated in the group stage with just a point, and it would be 28 years before they returned to a World Cup.

5

2026 – United States, Canada, Mexico

Scotland’s long-awaited return to the World Cup sees them drawn against Brazil once again, with the two sides set to meet in what will be the final group game for both nations.

Depending on how the earlier fixtures against Haiti and Morocco go, it could be a match with enormous implications for Scotland’s hopes of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. Both sides have stars of their own. Neymar, Vinicius Junior and co, as ever, come into the tournament as one of the favourites, while Andy Roberson, Scott McTominay and John McGinn will all be hoping that 28 years of Scottish pain can be put to rest.

Scotland’s record vs Brazil at the World Cup

Liverpool are in advanced talks to secure their first signing of the summer transfer window, looking to bring back one of their former players.

The Reds are preparing for a new era at Anfield with an agreement in place for Andoni Iraola to join the club as their manager.

Iraola left Bournemouth this summer after guiding them into Europe, and he now looks set to replace Arne Slot, who was sacked last month.

After a disappointing 2025/26 season, the Liverpool hierarchy will likely want to back their new manager with reinforcements.

Thankfully for them, Iraola has shown he is capable of working with what he’s got, with Bournemouth regularly having to sell their key players.

Liverpool in Advanced Transfer Talks

According to a report from Anfield Watch, Liverpool are in advanced talks to sign Blackburn midfielder Patrik Farkas as their first addition of the summer transfer window.

Farkas is set to leave Blackburn at the end of the month due to his contract expiring, and discussions are now ongoing over a two-year deal at Anfield.

The Hungary U19 international left Liverpool four years ago after spending two years in the club’s academy.

His younger brother Erik currently plays for Liverpool, catching the eye at under-18 level during the 2025-2026 season.

Farkas looks set to become the fifth Hungarian on the books at Liverpool, joining his younger brother, Milos Kerkez, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Armin Pecsi.

Liverpool Need Senior Additions on Top

Although signing young talent for the future will be important for Liverpool going forward, they also need to ensure they strengthen their senior squad.

It was a disappointing 2025/2026 season for the Merseyside club, even though they managed to qualify for the Champions League.

Liverpool finished in fifth place, which thankfully was given as an extra Champions League place for the Premier League, avoiding it being a completely disastrous campaign.

Improvements are needed on and off the pitch, especially after a disappointing summer transfer window last year, in hindsight, with multiple players failing to make an impact.

Arsenal have agreed personal terms to secure a new signing after Andrea Berta held a meeting with the player, allowing them to become his preference over Manchester City.

The Gunners are working to bring in new additions after their impressive 2025-2026 season, which saw them lift the Premier League title.

Arsenal did, however, lose the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain last month, so they will be looking to improve their squad in order to compete on all fronts.

Their performances in the domestic cups were also a disappointment, so there’s no doubt there’s still room for improvement.

They certainly won’t mind after lifting the Premier League title, but work is now underway to ensure they can go again.

Arsenal Agree Personal Terms

According to insider Hand of Arsenal, Arsenal have now agreed full personal terms with Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga.

The Gunners are believed to now be his full preference ahead of Manchester City after Berta held a meeting with the young talent.

Monga, described as ‘special’, could go out on loan in the summer transfer window, while Berta laid out a pathway similar to that of Max Dowman to try to convince him to make the move to the Emirates Stadium.

A loan move would probably be best for Monga heading into the new season. It will be interesting to see if he follows in Dowman’s footsteps and is amongst the senior squad.

Arsenal Can Take Risk on Young Talents

Arsenal now have the freedom to take risks on signing young talents and allowing them to grow and develop after they lifted the Premier League title.

They shouldn’t need too many additions for their senior squad and starting eleven, meaning they can look to sign the best youngsters from around the world.

Over the last few years, the focus has understandably been on bringing in players who are capable of making an impact to help them win a league title.

Monga is unlikely to contribute that way immediately, but there is no doubt he can become a star for them over the next few years.