Group C Preview: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland and Haiti Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Brazil: Five‑time champions seeking a sixth
Brazil remains one of the most storied nations in football history. With five World Cup titles (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002) the Seleção have appeared in every tournament since 1930 and are set to make their 23rd appearance in 2026. Despite recent setbacks – a 7‑1 loss to Germany in the 2014 semi‑finals and quarter‑final exits in 2018 and 2022 – the team continues to rank among the world’s elite, sitting at FIFA rank 6 as of October 2023.
Under Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, who took over in May 2023, Brazil blends youthful flair with experienced leadership. Key players expected to feature include:
- Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid) – widely regarded as one of the best attackers in the world
- Raphinha (Barcelona) – versatile forward with consistent goal contributions
- Marquinhos (Paris Saint‑Germain) – central defender and team captain
- Éder Militão (Real Madrid) – commanding centre‑back
- Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United) – dynamic midfielder linking defence and attack
Brazil’s tactical flexibility and depth give them a strong chance to advance from Group C and contend for a sixth world crown.
Morocco: Building on a historic semi‑final run
Morocco’s performance at Qatar 2022 marked a watershed moment for African football. The Atlas Lions became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi‑final, ultimately finishing fourth. This achievement has elevated expectations for the 2026 edition, where Morocco is again listed among the favourites to progress from Group C.
The team currently holds FIFA rank 8 (October 2023) and has qualified for seven World Cups, with a best‑ever finish of fourth in 2022 and a round‑of‑16 appearance in 1986. After a narrow loss in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, the Moroccan Football Federation appointed Mohamed Ouahbi as head coach. Ouahbi, a former Anderlecht and Morocco youth coach, aims to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor Walid Regragui.
Morocco’s squad boasts several high‑profile talents:
- Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint‑Germain) – widely considered one of the best right‑backs globally
- Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid) – creative attacking midfielder
- Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos) – prolific striker and AFCON top scorer
With a blend of European‑based experience and emerging domestic talent, Morocco looks poised to replicate its 2022 success and push deeper into the tournament.
Scotland: Ending a long World Cup drought
Scotland’s relationship with the World Cup has been challenging. The Tartan Army has qualified nine times, but has never advanced beyond the group stage. Their most recent appearance came in 1998, meaning the 2026 tournament will mark their first return after a 28‑year absence.
Currently ranked FIFA 43 (October 2023), Scotland will rely on a core of players who have impressed in the Premier League and other top European leagues. Manager Steve Clarke, who guided the side to consecutive European Championship appearances in 2020 and 2024, will look to finally break the group‑stage curse.
Key figures expected to influence Scotland’s campaign include:
- Scott McTominay (Napoli) – box‑to‑box midfielder with defensive tenacity
- Andy Robertson (Liverpool) – world‑class left‑back and vocal leader
- John McGinn (Aston Villa) – energetic midfielder known for his work rate
- Che Adams (Torino) – striker capable of holding up play and creating chances
While the task of overcoming Brazil and Morocco is formidable, Scotland’s recent competitive showings in UEFA Nations League and Euro qualifiers suggest they can be a difficult opponent for any side.
Haiti: The group’s underdogs looking for a breakthrough
Haiti enters Group C as the lowest‑ranked team (FIFA rank 84, October 2023) and carries the weight of a single World Cup appearance in 1974, where they lost all three matches, conceded 14 goals and scored just two. Despite this historical backdrop, the global game has evolved, and minnows now possess better access to training, tactical analysis, and player development pathways.
Head coach Sébastien Migné, a French‑born tactician with experience in African club football and national‑team assistance roles (Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea), will look to organise a disciplined defensive unit while looking for moments to strike on the counter.
Haiti’s most recognizable players plying their trade abroad are:
- Jean‑Ricner Bellegarde (Wolverhampton Wanderers) – midfielder with passing range and defensive awareness
