Group C Preview
Brazil headline one of the most eye-catching groups of the tournament alongside 2022 semi-finalists Morocco, returning World Cup nation Scotland and surprise qualifiers Haiti.
Brazil are the obvious heavyweights in this group, but Scotland and Morocco are not to be underestimated, with there being a strong possibility that three teams could still be fighting for qualification on the final matchday.
World Cup Group C fixtures and where to watch
| Fixture | Date | Kick-off (all UK BST) | Venue | Where to Watch |
| Brazil v Morocco | June 13 | 23:00 | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey | BBC and iPlayer |
| Haiti v Scotland | June 14 | 02:00 | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough | BBC and iPlayer |
| Scotland v Morocco | June 19 | 23:00 | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough | ITV and ITVX |
| Brazil v Haiti | June 20 | 02:00 | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia | ITV and ITVX |
| Scotland v Brazil | June 24 | 23:00 | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami | BBC and iPlayer |
| Morocco v Haiti | June 24 | 23:00 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta | BBC and iPlayer |
Here, we take a look at the teams in detail.
Brazil: 2026 World Cup preview, star player, prediction
Coach: Carlo Ancelotti
Qualification: CONMEBOL qualifiers
Best World Cup: Winners (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)
Brazil arrive in North America under enormous pressure after another turbulent qualification cycle and another managerial reset, but the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti has quickly restored belief around the national team.
The five-time world champions still possess frightening attacking depth and, despite concerns over consistency during qualification, remain among the favourites to lift the trophy this summer.
Ancelotti’s calm authority and tournament pedigree could prove vital. Brazil often looked emotionally volatile in recent years, particularly in high-pressure matches, but the Italian is expected to bring a more measured approach built around balance rather than chaos.
There are still defensive questions. Injuries have interrupted preparations and Neymar’s fitness remains uncertain heading into the tournament after another setback during Brazil’s pre-World Cup camp.
Yet few sides in world football can match Brazil’s attacking quality. Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Endrick give them pace and unpredictability.
Brazil star player: Vinicius Junior ready for centre stage
This feels like the tournament where Vinicius Junior fully becomes Brazil’s main man.
The Real Madrid winger has evolved into one of the world’s most devastating forwards and now carries the responsibility of leading Brazil to a first World Cup triumph in 24 years.
His acceleration, movement in transition and ability to decide games make him one of the most dangerous players at the tournament.
Prediction: Brazil to edge a difficult group
Brazil should have enough quality to finish top, although Morocco are more than capable of pushing them all the way.
The Scotland game in Miami could still be key depending on earlier results.
Morocco: 2026 World Cup preview, star player, prediction
Coach: Mohamed Ouahbi
Qualification: CAF qualifiers
Best World Cup: Semi-finals (2022)
Morocco no longer arrive at World Cups as underdogs hoping to surprise people.
After their historic run to the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago and their controversial AFCON triumph in January, expectations have changed. They now travel to the United States believing they belong among the elite nations in international football.
There has been change on the touchline, with Mohamed Ouahbi replacing Walid Regragui earlier this year, but much of the core that made history in 2022 remains intact.
Achraf Hakimi remains the emotional leader of the side, while Sofyan Amrabat and Azzedine Ounahi provide balance in midfield. Brahim Diaz is the creative hub.
The biggest concern surrounds goals. Youssef En-Nesyri has been left out of the squad, meaning Morocco may rely more heavily on collective attacking play rather than one consistent finisher.
Morocco star player: Achraf Hakimi remains world-class
Hakimi is still the heartbeat of this Morocco side.
The Paris Saint-Germain full-back is among the best attacking defenders in world football and gives Morocco a completely different dimension going forward.
His pace and energy allow Morocco to break quickly and overwhelm teams in transition.
Prediction: Morocco can qualify comfortably
Morocco have enough quality and tournament experience to reach the knockout stages again.
Their match against Scotland could effectively decide second place if Brazil perform as expected.
Scotland: 2026 World Cup preview, star player, prediction
Coach: Steve Clarke
Qualification: UEFA qualifiers
Best World Cup: Group stage
Scotland return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 and arrive carrying momentum.
Steve Clarke recently extended his contract through to 2030 after guiding Scotland to consecutive European Championships and now a first World Cup in nearly three decades.
The Scots remain difficult to define stylistically. They are not an expansive side, nor an especially dominant one in possession, but they are organised, resilient and fiercely competitive.
Clarke has built a squad that understands its identity. Scotland defend compactly, work relentlessly without the ball and look to create through wide overloads and quick deliveries into dangerous areas.
The biggest challenge will be handling the step up in technical quality against Brazil and Morocco.
Still, there is reason for optimism. The opening game against Haiti offers Scotland a huge opportunity to build momentum before what could become a crucial second match against Morocco.
Scotland star player: Scott McTominay’s influence continues to grow
McTominay has become Scotland’s most important player.
His ability to arrive late into the box, dominate physically and score crucial goals has transformed Scotland’s midfield dynamic over the past two years.
Alongside leaders such as Andy Robertson and John McGinn, he gives Scotland real experience at the highest level.
Prediction: Scotland capable of reaching knockout stages
Scotland have a realistic chance of progressing, particularly if they beat Haiti in the opener.
Much may depend on whether they can avoid defeat against Morocco before facing Brazil in the final group game.
Haiti: 2026 World Cup preview, star player, prediction
Coach: Sebastien Migne
Qualification: CONCACAF qualifiers
Best World Cup: Group stage (1974)
Haiti’s qualification is one of the stories of the tournament.
The Caribbean nation return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974 after producing an impressive qualification campaign.
They enter Group C as clear outsiders but should not be dismissed completely.
Haiti play with aggression and energy, particularly in attacking areas, and have shown they are capable of troubling more established nations when games become open.
Defensively, though, there are concerns. The step up in individual quality against Brazil and Morocco could prove too much across 90 minutes.
Haiti star player: Duckens Nazon carries attacking hopes
Duckens Nazon remains the focal point of Haiti’s attack.
The experienced forward provides leadership, goals and physical presence, while also carrying the responsibility of inspiring one of the tournament’s smallest nations.
If Haiti are to spring a surprise, Nazon will almost certainly be involved.
Prediction: Valuable experience for Haiti
Haiti should approach the tournament with freedom and belief, but the gap in quality across the group is difficult to ignore.
Competing strongly and potentially taking points from Scotland would still represent a positive campaign.
Predicted World Cup 2026 Group C table
| Wins | Draws | Losses | Points | |
| Brazil | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 |
| Morocco | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
| Scotland | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Haiti | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
