MIAMI — For Japan, the math is now brutally simple. Brazil’s 3-0 demolition of Scotland confirmed the Selecao as Group C winners — and their Round of 32 opponent will be the Group F runners-up. That is almost certainly Japan.
Vinicius Junior’s brace and Matheus Cunha’s strike made it look easy. Neymar’s cameo off the bench only added to the sense of dread for whoever faces Brazil next. Japan have beaten Brazil once in 14 meetings — a friendly in 2025. In competitive matches, the record is grim: two World Cup meetings, two defeats, aggregate score 1-8.
Group C Final Standings
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brazil | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 1 | +6 | 7 |
| 2 | Morocco | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 4 | +4 | 7 |
| 3 | Scotland | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 3 |
| 4 | Haiti | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 10 | -7 | 0 |
Sources: ESPN, Sohu
