2026 FIFA World Cup: Group C Preview

Group C is one of the most fascinating in the tournament on paper.

Had you told someone in the early 2000s that Brazil would be neck-and-neck with an African nation for the most likely to finish at the top of a World Cup group, no one would have believed you. Morocco has been a trailblazer for its continent for several years now, and will be looking to make a deep run that would parallel expectations far more in 2026 than it did in the previous World Cup, when it made the semifinals.

Scotland’s fans may be known as much for how many pints they collectively drink during major tournaments, but The Tartan Army has reason to believe (as they always do) in their squad on the pitch this World Cup as well. Haiti are really the only minnow in this group, which features several different styles of play and will be difficult to predict.  

The Teams

Brazil

Best Case Scenario

Having not won the World Cup since the 2002, Seleção are currently amidst a tie for their longest dry spell without the trophy in their hands since the tournament began in 1930. However, as the No. 6 ranked squad in the world, Brazil is certainly capable of breaking that undesired streak.

Although respect deserves to be paid to the other three squads in the group, finishing anything other than first in the group will be seen as a major disappointment from supporters. Despite some peculiar roster inclusions by manager Carlo Ancelotti (notably, a now-injured Neymar in favor of Chelsea forward João Pedro, as well as omissions of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo), the Brazilians have more than enough frontline firepower to put fear into any opposing defense on the planet.

Realistic Expectation

Raising the cup at MetLife Stadium in about a month’s time is certainly possible, but not what Around The Corn will be predicting. While the talent at his expense certainly makes the decisions harder (and more susceptible to criticism), some of Ancelotti’s choices do more than just raise an eyebrow. More critically, they suggest that there isn’t a true standout star in the Brazil camp right now. A run in the knockout rounds can be expected, but Brazil will not leave the United States victorious as it did in 1994.

Haiti

Best Case Scenario

Physically, Haiti is unlikely to be run off the pitch because it does possess enough raw speed to avoid that. But proverbially, the Haitians will have done well for themselves if they don’t get run off by a group that includes two real Cup contenders in Brazil and Morocco, in addition to a Scotland squad that is proficient enough to disassemble rosters lacking technical talent.

Realistic Expectation

Of the 32 participating teams in the 2022 World Cup, only two (Canada and Qatar) failed to earn a single point in the group stage, a testament to just how competitive the tournament is and thus how unlikely it is to get completely shut out.

Unfortunately for Haiti, a cruel combination of group competition and talent deficit have it in line to be one of those squads in 2026.

Morocco

Best Case Scenario

The Atlas Lions proved just how dangerous this generation of players can be, making it all the way to the semifinals in the 2022 World Cup, the first time an African nation had made it that far in the tournament. A similar run isn’t out of the question in 2026, with the core talent of that previous run still intact and the squad continuing to play the disciplined defense that made it so difficult for teams to break through against it.

Morocco is still characterized by its defensive prowess, but an infusion of offense thanks to Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid) presents an interesting wrinkle that gives this team a great opportunity to keep opponents on their toes. The No. 8 FIFA ranking suggests a quarterfinal appearance, which would be an excellent result.

Realistic Expectation

It is so difficult to repeat success at World Cups, something that the Moroccan team will have to contend with after emerging as something of a tournament darling in 2022. We’ll get a great opportunity to assess just how seal tight the backline is during the group stage when the Atlas Lions take on Brazil, and Scotland’s discipline will also test it.

While the talent is present to run it back, the path for Morocco is littered with high level European squads in potential knockout round fixtures that will make it difficult to make such a deep run again. High expectations aren’t common for African squads at the World Cup, and it’s even more uncommon that they are exceeded.

Scotland

Best Case Scenario

A result against either Brazil or Morocco should give Scotland an excellent opportunity at moving on to the knockout rounds, which would keep the booze flowing at an exceptional rate for The Tartan Army.

While the group is treacherous, Scotland will no doubt play gritty and that can frustrate more technically adept squads like Brazil. The nation has never made it out of the group stage of the World Cup, but in 2026 the breakthrough feels very attainable.

Realistic Expectation

Again, not a huge discrepancy between realistic and best-case scenarios here. Scotland seems destined to float somewhere between what would be for the country a high floor (heartbreaking exit from group stage) and for global football as a whole a low ceiling (dreamland of winning a single knockout fixture).

Keep an eye on Scott McTominay, who has the potential to shine as one of the unsung players of the tournament, a role which he seems to relish.

Matches to Watch

Brazil vs. Morocco (June 13 – 6 PM ET)

Group C’s massive opener at MetLife Stadium features two teams within the top 10 of FIFA’s global rankings. Plenty of star action will be on display and both teams will seek to earn a huge advantage in terms of topping this group by winning this match.

Scotland vs. Morocco (June 19 – 6 PM ET)

If Scotland gets the desired result in its first match day, then this one could be huge in terms of their ability to make it into the knockout round. Morocco may be defending its ability to feel good about the same thing depending on its result against Brazil.

Predictions (Bold Advance to Knockout Stage)

1. Brazil

2. Morocco

3. Scotland

4. Haiti