Scotland on the brink of history against Brazil
Scotland face Brazil on Wednesday in a crucial Group B match that could see Steve Clarke's side reach the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time. After a 1-0 win over Haiti and a 1-0 loss to Morocco, Scotland need at least a point against the five-time world champions to secure their spot in the last 32. A narrow defeat might also be enough depending on other results.
The match kicks off at 6pm ET at Miami Stadium. In the United States, it will be broadcast on FOX and Telemundo, with streaming available on Fubo. Canadian viewers can watch on TSN, while BBC One will show the game in the United Kingdom. Australia's SBS will also broadcast the match.
Brazil seeking consistency after uneven performances
Brazil have had an uneven tournament so far, struggling to impose themselves against Morocco before sweeping aside Haiti. Coach Carlo Ancelotti is still fine-tuning his attacking formula, with Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha expected to keep his place after providing much-needed cohesion in the win over Haiti. Concerns about the balance of the rest of the team remain.
"This tournament has been an uneven one for Brazil," according to match previews. The South Americans target top spot in the group but face a motivated Scottish side backed by the Tartan Army.
Group A: Mexico already through, Canada and others battle
Co-hosts Mexico have already secured their place in the round of 32 as group winners, but Canada still have work to do to top Group A. In Wednesday's early games, Bosnia and Herzegovina face Qatar at 3pm ET in Seattle, while Switzerland take on Canada at BC Place Vancouver.
Bosnia and Herzegovina need a win over Qatar to stand a good chance of making the knockout stage for the first time. Edin Dzeko, the former Manchester City striker, is the player to watch. Qatar, the 2022 World Cup hosts, suffered a 6-0 defeat to Canada and face a second successive group stage exit.
Switzerland finally found their stride against Bosnia, with Johan Manzambi changing the dynamic of their attack. Canada lost Ismaël Koné to a serious leg injury but were boosted by a 6-0 win over Qatar. Jonathan David, who scored a hat-trick in that match, is the key player for Canada.
Evening matches: Morocco vs Haiti and Scotland vs Brazil
At 6pm ET, Morocco face already-eliminated Haiti in Atlanta. Morocco have shown glimpses of excellence but have yet to produce a 90-minute performance. Brahim Diaz, with his dribbling ability and creativity, is the player to watch. Haiti have not embarrassed themselves in a tough group but face their toughest test yet.
Scotland's match against Brazil is the headline fixture, with the Tartan Army in full voice in Miami. Clarke's team need to find their scoring touch after failing to score against Morocco. A win or draw would be historic.
Late games: Czechia vs Mexico and South Africa vs South Korea
At 9pm ET, Mexico face Czechia in Mexico City. With Mexico already through as group winners, coach Javier Aguirre may rest key players. Obed Vargas, the Atletico Madrid youngster, could start in central midfield. Czechia likely need a win to advance after underwhelming performances against South Africa and South Korea.
In Monterrey, South Africa take on South Korea in a tight Group A. South Korea only need a draw to secure their spot, while South Africa require three points. In-Beom Hwang, the Feyenoord midfielder, is the player to watch for South Korea. The match could be keenly contested, with three of four group games so far producing under 2.5 goals.
