Robertson: Scotland Must Welcome, Not Be Afraid of Brazil
June 26, 2026 · Global
Scotland's Andy Robertson expressed his enthusiasm for the World Cup clash with Brazil, highlighting the challenge facing the five-time champions and Scotland's potential to make history.
Andy Robertson insists Scotland should be excited about facing Brazil at the World Cup, even though he described the five-time champions as "one of the best teams in the world". Scotland meet Brazil at Miami Stadium next Wednesday in their final Group C game, where a point is likely to be enough to book their place in the knockout rounds.
This will be the first time Scotland have gone beyond the group stages at a major tournament, although they face a team they have struggled against in the past. Brazil are the team that Scotland have faced the most times in international football without winning (10 matches: 2 draws, 8 losses), and this is their fifth meeting at the World Cup. This will be Scotland's ninth competitive match against a South American side at the World Cup, where they have not won in their previous eight matches (2 draws, 6 losses) while conceding an average of 2.5 goals per game.
Robertson admits that Scotland face a tough test against Carlo Ancelotti's side, but he believes his team-mates have the ability to change history. "It's not about wanting to face Neymar or Vinicius Junior, Endrick or Martinelli," Robertson told reporters. "I could go on and on about every player in the Brazil squad because they have so much quality. Even when you look at the players they left at home.
"It all depends on [manager Carlo] Ancelotti who plays. We just need to prepare as best we can, but they have quality in every position – also players coming off the bench. "That's what we're facing, one of the best teams in the world. "We have to be as prepared as possible. We have to come up with a game plan and implement it to the best of our ability. "They are blessed with so much talent, but we have to try to do our best for Scotland. This is something to be welcomed, not feared."
Get ready for #SCOBRA | #FIFAWorldCup After drawing with Morocco in their opening group game, Brazil beat Haiti 3-0 in their final game, with Matheus Cunha scoring either side of Vinicius Junior's fine finish. Vinicius has been involved in six goals in his last five games for Brazil in all competitions (three goals, three assists), scoring in both group games so far. Only four players (from three editions) have scored in Brazil's first three group games at the World Cup, with the Selecao going on to win the trophy each time – Jairzinho in 1970, Romario in 1994 and Ronaldo & Rivaldo in 2002.
There is also hope that Neymar, who missed Brazil's first two games through injury, could return to the team against Steve Clarke's side. Neymar's first brace for Brazil came against Scotland, in a friendly in March 2011 – he scored both goals in a 2–0 win at the Emirates Stadium in London. "Obviously, there is no doubt about his [Neymar's] quality," said Clarke. "He is one of the great stars of the modern era. He always has injury problems leading up to tournaments.
"I'm sure Carlo Ancelotti will use him wisely, whether it's from the bench or from the start. "And we can expect very dangerous opponents, but I could go on and on about how many dangerous opponents there are and Neymar is just one of many dangerous opponents. "I think if he comes off the bench, he can give a boost to the team because the crowd will cheer him on when he comes on, because he is an iconic figure."