World Cup 2026 Group C Preview: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

The general consensus is always high on Brazil, at least outside of South America. The Seleção carry with them a wind of expectation that pushes them but also retains an immense burden. I don't think Brazil drew a favorable group for the 2026 World Cup, and when they find a way to get out of Group C, they'll be better for it. Morocco vs Scotland stands as one of the absolute best matches in the group stage, and Haiti is pure heart. Here's what to know.

Brazil (A Seleção)

Coach Carlo Ancelotti

Hot take. Endrick comes off the bench, outscores Neymar throughout the tournament, and Brazil pretends it was the plan all along.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "Carlo Ancelotti is the first non-Brazilian ever to coach the Seleção at a World Cup, and Brazil are the only nation that has played in all 23 of them."

Word from home. Ancelotti wants the most ravenous futbol crowd in the world to "trust the process."

"It may not be the perfect group, but it's focused, humble, selfless." Carlo Ancelotti, Alô Alô Bahia

The story. The will-they-or-won't-they narrative of Neymar being added to the squad. Well, they did, although a poll found most Brazilians wanted him left off. Either way, fans want nothing less than a sixth title.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer has Brazil out of the group 96.9 percent of the time and topping it in 60.2 percent, but only sixth-favorites for the trophy at 6.6 percent.

One thing to read. The 1950 World Cup: Brazilian Tragedy, Soccer Politics (2014).

Morocco (Les Lions de l'Atlas)

Coach Mohamed Ouahbi

Hot take. Underestimate Morocco at your own peril. In 2022, they knocked off Portugal and Spain. The extra game is tough, but I think they will at least go to the quarterfinals in 2026.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "Morocco is a team defined by diaspora. Nineteen of Morocco's 26 players were born outside the country, in Spain, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Hakimi was born in Madrid, Brahim Díaz in Málaga."

Word from home. Mohamed Ouahbi was asked about his plan when Morocco plays Brazil:

"Should I call Ancelotti to ask him how Brazil will play?" Mohamed Ouahbi, Morocco World News

The story. Morocco changed coaches with the finals in sight: Regragui resigned after the home AFCON final loss (its own story).

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer makes Morocco Brazil's clear nearest challenger, into the round of 32 in 88.7 percent of runs and topping the group in 28.6 percent, the strongest African side in the model.

One thing to read. Belonging Is Not a Sport, Africa Is a Country (2022).

Haiti (Les Grenadiers)

Coach Sébastien Migné

Hot take. Forget the odds: Haiti grabs a point off anyone, and a single draw becomes the best World Cup in their history.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "The most famous goal in US World Cup history, the 1950 1-0 upset of England, was scored by a Haitian, Joe Gaetjens."

Word from home. Coach Sébastien Migné on preparing a team while the country it represents is in crisis:

"set aside the political context at home and stay focused on the football." Sébastien Migné, Outre-mer la 1ère

The story. Haiti's return comes amid crisis at home that has kept the coach out of the country. Just getting to the finals tournament feels like a victory.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer gives Haiti a 15.8 percent chance of reaching the knockouts, the lowest of any of the 48 teams. The math doesn't matter. This team is a beacon of hope for their nation.

One thing to read. Joe Gaetjens, and America's Accidental Emergence on the World Cup Stage, The Ringer (2022).

Scotland

Coach Steve Clarke

Hot take. Lawrence Shankland rose from the Scottish peat fully formed to score goals. He nabs three in this World Cup.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. In Scotland's last World Cup, in 1998, they drew Morocco and Brazil. Twenty-eight years later, they have a nearly identical draw.

Word from home. Steve Clarke, wryly, on finally reaching a World Cup after 28 years:

"For a country like Scotland, that is too long." Steve Clarke, Sky Sports

The story. Scotland are back after a 28-year wait, having topped a World Cup qualifying group for the first time since 1982, but the ghost in the room is that they've never advanced past the group stage in any World Cup.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer likes Scotland more than most would guess and has them into the round of 32 in 65.6 percent of simulations, third-best in the group.

One thing to read. McIlvanney's World Cup, Nutmeg (2018)

Group C Fixtures to watch / predictions

Fixtures to watch.

• Sat, Jun 13: Brazil vs Morocco, 6:00 p.m. ET (FS1 / Telemundo)
• Sat, Jun 13: Haiti vs Scotland, 9:00 p.m. ET (FS1 / Telemundo)
• Fri, Jun 19: Scotland vs Morocco, 6:00 p.m. ET (FOX / Telemundo)
• Wed, Jun 24: Scotland vs Brazil, 6:00 p.m. ET (FOX / Telemundo)

The call.