World Cup 2026: Brazil through as Mexico gives Ochoa a fitting farewell

Brazil rounded off its World Cup 2026 group-stage campaign in style on Wednesday, defeating Scotland 3-0 to secure first place in Group E. Carlo Ancelotti’s side produced arguably its strongest performance of the tournament, pressing aggressively from kickoff and capitalizing on a series of Scottish defensive mistakes. Just seven minutes in, Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. pounced on a misplaced pass inside Scotland’s penalty area to open the scoring. He doubled Brazil’s lead on the stroke of halftime, heading home a cross from Bruno Guimares. He couldve had a hat-trick if not for having a goal controversially disallowed due to an attacking foul in the 22nd minute. The goals made Vinicius only the fifth player in Brazil’s history to score in all three group-stage matches of a World Cup, joining Jairzinho (1970), Romrio (1994), Rivaldo (2002) and Ronaldo Nazrio (2002). Scotland improved after the break, but Brazil put the result beyond doubt in the 60th minute. Guimares again provided the assist, setting up Matheus Cunha to finish off a swift counterattack. Neymar Jr. made his first appearance of the tournament in the 75th minute, replacing Cunha. The forward, who at one point appeared likely to miss the World Cup altogether, played his first minutes for Brazil in more than 1,000 days. “Playing well is easier than winning,” Ancelotti said after the match. “A coach is judged solely on whether he wins or loses. It doesn’t matter if the team is playing good football. We’re at the World Cup, and what matters is winning.” The Italian also praised Neymar’s return. “He deserved the chance to play, and that’s why I gave it to him,” Ancelotti said. “He’s been training very hard and supported the team well.” Brazil will play its round-of-32 match in Houston, Texas, on Monday at 2 p.m. (Argentina time). Its opponent will be the Group F runner-up: the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden.  Finishing top of the group means Brazil can only meet Argentina if both teams reach the semifinals. Mexico advances in first place Mexico also completed a flawless group stage, defeating Czechia 3-0 at the Estadio Azteca to finish atop Group A with three wins and no goals conceded. The hosts also gave veteran goalkeeper Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa a memorable send-off.  Introduced in the 78th minute, Ochoa became just the third player after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to appear in six World Cups.  The 40-year-old has announced he will retire from the national team after the tournament. Thursday’s action Thursday will bring another decisive day at the World Cup, with Groups D, E and F reaching their conclusion. South American attention will focus on Ecuador, which faces Germany needing a positive result to keep alive its hopes of advancing as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.  After losing to Ivory Coast and drawing with Curaao, Ecuador enters the final match under pressure. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. (Argentina time) at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Later, Paraguay will face Australia in a direct battle for second place in Group D, while the United States takes on already-eliminated Trkiye, looking to secure top spot in the group.  Both matches kick off at 11 p.m. (Argentina time).