VAR Disallows Brazil Goal
Brazil defeats Scotland 3-0 in Miami, securing top spot in Group C.
Key Points
Opening goal at 7 minutes as Vinícius Jr. finished after Scott McKenna’s defensive error, with Brazilian forward Rayan pressing in his own box to set up the chance.
A Vinícius Jr. goal was ruled out by VAR in the 22nd minute after the referee reviewed an impediment on Scott Hendry just before the backpass, sparking relief for Scotland.
The opener’s build-up included a high-press from Brazil’s Rayan that enabled Vinícius to walk the ball into an open net following McKenna’s blunder.
Brazil moved to the top of Group C with the win, leapfrogging Morocco as Morocco’s later match against Haiti went on in the same group.
Vinícius Júnior scored twice — but only one counted — as Brazil beat Scotland 6-3 in their Group C finale at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on June 24, 2026. BBC reported that the Brazilian forward opened the scoring in the 7th minute after Scott McKenna gifted him the ball, before a second strike was wiped out by VAR in the 26th minute for a foul on Jack Hendry.
Brazil finished the match with 7 points and top spot in Group C, per 101 Great Goals. Vinícius completed a hat-trick and now has five goals in the tournament. Scotland, beaten 6-3, must wait to see if they qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
McKenna's Blunder Hands Brazil an Instant Lead
Just seven minutes in, Scotland's Scott McKenna misplayed a routine ball under pressure from Brazilian forward Rayan. Vinícius pounced, rounded goalkeeper Angus Gunn, and walked the ball into an open net. Palm Beach Post described it as an early blunder that set the tone for a difficult night for the Tartan Army.
Carlo Ancelotti's decision to deploy Rayan in a high-pressing role paid off immediately. Brazil's xG at halftime stood at 2.79 compared to Scotland's 0.15, according to match data. Pat Nevin, speaking on the BBC, called Scotland's defensive errors "awful," adding that gifting goals to Brazil is "terminal" for a side of their level.
VAR Wipes Out Vinicius's Second Goal After Hendry Foul Review
In the 22nd minute, Vinícius robbed Jack Hendry of the ball and struck again. Mexican referee César Arturo Ramos was called to the pitchside monitor by VAR. After a four-minute review, he ruled that Vinícius had impeded Hendry before taking possession. The goal was disallowed, sparking relief in the Scottish end and fury on the Brazilian bench, The National reported.
Pundits were split on the call. Former Premier League referee Darren Cann told the BBC, "I don't really feel that it's a foul — he's just holding his ground and the defender just kicks into him." Former Scotland international James McFadden pushed back, insisting, "Whether it is slight contact or not, it is a foul. He is impeded." The 2026 World Cup's enhanced VAR protocol allows reviews for subjective fouls in goal-scoring phases, per BBC.
Vinicius Completes Hat-Trick as Brazil Run Riot
The VAR reprieve barely slowed Brazil down. In the 45th minute, Bruno Guimarães intercepted an Andrew Robertson clearance and floated a cross to the back post. Vinícius headed home for his second official goal of the match. The floodgates opened from there, with Brazil winning 6-3 in a stunning final scoreline, per 101 Great Goals.
Vinícius finished with a hat-trick and five goals for the tournament. He became only the fifth Brazilian to score in all three group-stage matches, according to match analysts. Ancelotti, the first foreign coach to lead Brazil at a World Cup, was reported to be "dissatisfied" with the VAR process despite the emphatic win.
Scotland's World Cup Hopes Now Hang by a Thread
Scotland entered the match with 3 points after beating Haiti. They leave with 3 points, a goal difference of minus-8, and a painful history — they are now winless in 11 matches against Brazil, per Palm Beach Post. Their only route to the Round of 32 is as one of the eight best third-placed teams across all groups.
Brazil, meanwhile, march on as Group C winners and firm favorites to reach the quarter-finals. Vinícius has been involved in 100% of Brazil's five group-stage goals. With Neymar still available from the bench, Ancelotti's side look dangerous heading into the knockout rounds, 101 Great Goals noted.
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