Brazil defeats Scotland 3-0 to top Group C, Morocco outlasts Haiti 4-2 and Neymar returns

Brazil dominates Scotland

Brazil entered the final Group C match needing a win to secure first place, and they delivered a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Scotland at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Vinicius Junior opened the scoring in the 7th minute, capitalizing on a poor clearance from Scott McKenna. The Real Madrid forward doubled the lead just before halftime, tapping in a perfect cross from Bruno Guimaraes after the VAR had earlier disallowed another of his goals for a slight foul. Matheus Cunha added a third on the hour mark, finishing a flowing team move to seal the result. Goalkeeper Alisson preserved the clean sheet with a fine save from Scott McTominay's header late in the second half.

Morocco's rollercoaster against Haiti

In Seattle, Morocco had a far more nerve-shredding evening. Already eliminated Haiti stunned the Atlas Lions in the 10th minute when Lenny Joseph's clever backheel deflected off goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and into the net, the country's first goal of the tournament. Achraf Hakimi equalized in the 39th minute after a mistake by Haiti's keeper, but Wilson Isidor restored Haiti's lead four minutes later with a thunderous strike into the top corner. Ismael Saibari, who has now scored in all three group games, levelled again in first-half stoppage time, slotting home from Hakimi's cross. The second half saw Morocco gradually assert control, and substitutes Soufiane Rahimi (78th) and Gessime Yassine (89th) scored late to give the scoreline a more comfortable look. Haiti's first ever World Cup goal sparked joyous celebrations, and despite the defeat they left the tournament with heads held high.

Neymar makes his return

After missing Brazil's first two matches with a calf injury suffered on May 17, Neymar entered the contest in the 75th minute to loud applause. The Santos forward did not score but his brief cameo offered reassurance ahead of the knockout stage. He had last played a competitive match 39 days earlier.

Group C standings and what comes next

Brazil and Morocco both finished with 7 points, but Brazil's superior goal difference (+6 to Morocco's +3) handed them first place. Scotland closed with 3 points and a -3 goal difference, putting them in the mix for one of the eight best third-place spots. Haiti, despite scoring twice for the first time in a World Cup, ended with zero points. Morocco will now face a team from Group F in the last 16, likely the Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden. Brazil's opponent will also come from that group depending on final placings.