Group C of the 2026 World Cup looks straightforward on paper: Brazil, the most successful team in tournament history, against Morocco, Scotland and Haiti. But World Cups are rarely that simple. Morocco reached the semi-finals in 2022 and will fear nobody, Scotland are back at the tournament after a long absence and will be fiercely motivated, and Haiti are debutants with nothing to lose. Brazil should top the group, yet the battle for second place — and the third-place safety net — could be fascinating.

Brazil: favourites with a point to prove

Brazil arrive in North America chasing a sixth World Cup, 24 years after their last triumph in 2002. The squad is stacked with talent in every position, from an experienced goalkeeper to a glittering attack led by Vinicius Junior. The Selecao play fast, attacking football and will expect to win all three group games. Their main concern is balance: when so many players push forward, the defence can be exposed. Brazil's real tournament starts after the group stage, but a strong start will build the confidence this talented squad needs.

Morocco: the team nobody wants to face

Morocco were the story of the 2022 World Cup, reaching the semi-finals by beating Spain and Portugal along the way. Four years on, the Atlas Lions are even stronger, with players at top European clubs and a defensive organisation that frustrates even the best attacks. Against Brazil they will sit deep and hit on the counter, and against Scotland and Haiti they will expect to win. Morocco are many experts' pick as the team most likely to upset a favourite in the group stage, and a second-place finish is well within reach.

Scotland: back on the big stage

Scotland return to the World Cup after a long wait, and their fans will travel in huge numbers. The Scots are organised, physical and hard to beat, with a midfield that works tirelessly and a team spirit that has carried them through qualifying. They know Brazil will be tough, so their campaign will probably be decided by the games against Morocco and Haiti. Scotland's realistic target is third place and a place among the eight best third-placed teams — a route that did not exist in the old 32-team format.

Haiti: the debutants with a dream

Haiti are one of the great stories of World Cup 2026. A first appearance at the tournament is already a historic achievement for the Caribbean nation, and their players will treat every minute as a celebration. Haiti are quick, fearless and well organised, and they know that even a single point would be a famous result. Against Scotland and Morocco they will look to stay compact and strike on the break. Whatever happens, Haiti's presence is a reminder of what the expanded 48-team tournament is for.

The key fixtures in Group C

Brazil against Morocco is the standout fixture of the group, a clash between the tournament's most glamorous attack and its most stubborn defence. Scotland against Morocco could decide second place, while Scotland against Haiti is a game the Scots cannot afford to lose if they want to progress. Brazil's opener will set the tone: a comfortable win sends a message to the rest of the tournament, while any slip would hand their rivals belief. With three games in quick succession, squad depth and injury luck will matter as much as tactics.

Prediction: who goes through

Brazil should win the group, probably with seven or nine points. Morocco look the most likely runners-up, with the quality and experience to beat Scotland and Haiti. Scotland could still progress as one of the best third-placed teams, especially if they beat Haiti and keep their defeats narrow. Haiti are expected to finish bottom, but they are capable of a shock result that changes the whole group. Our prediction: Brazil first, Morocco second, Scotland third and through as a best third-placed team.