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Group C of the 2026 World Cup is full of intrigue, with traditional power Brazil joined by up-and-comers Morocco, a Scotland side with top-end talent and one of the tournament's biggest underdogs in Haiti.
Brazil is the seeded team and the favorite to win the group, but Morocco is coming off a World Cup in which it became the first African nation to ever reach the semifinal.
Scotland and Haiti, meanwhile, are making their first World Cup appearances for a generation as they look to upset the odds.
Here is a breakdown of Group C.
It has been 24 years since Brazil, the winningest team in World Cup history, took home the trophy. Back home, there isn't much belief that this will be the team that ends the drought. Even with a world-class coach in Carlo Ancelotti and the typical blend of elite talent at its disposal, Brazil struggled through qualifying and hasn't inspired confidence with its recent displays. Though Neymar was included on the roster, the team runs through Vinicius Jr., who has often fallen short of expectations with the national team. Can he change the narrative this summer?
Key players: Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, Casemiro
Morocco made history at the 2022 World Cup, but coming up with an encore performance will be a massive challenge. The Atlas Lions breezed through qualification, however, and won the Africa Cup of Nations — albeit with a major asterisk. Morocco actually lost the final but was controversially awarded the title two months later after Senegal was punished for leaving the field during the game. In any case, Morocco comes to the World Cup with every chance to go on another run.
Key players: Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, Ismaël Saibari
Making its first World Cup appearance since 1998, Scotland isn't in North America just to make up the numbers. The Scots put together an excellent qualifying campaign, winning four of six games to qualify as the winner of its group. Scotland has top-tier players like Napoli star Scott McTominay and Aston Villa's John McGinn, but it's unclear if it will have the depth or attacking firepower to make a major impact at the World Cup.
Key players: Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Andy Robertson
Making only its second World Cup appearance and first since 1974, Haiti is firmly in the "happy to be here" category. Les Grenadiers did manage an impressive qualifying campaign, finishing atop a group that also included Costa Rica and Honduras. But with a lack of high-end talent, Haiti may be in for a short stay.
Key players: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Wilson Isidor, Ricardo Adé
Predicted order of finish:
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 World Cup Group C: Preview, predictions, schedule
Continue reading...
Brazil is the seeded team and the favorite to win the group, but Morocco is coming off a World Cup in which it became the first African nation to ever reach the semifinal.
Scotland and Haiti, meanwhile, are making their first World Cup appearances for a generation as they look to upset the odds.
Here is a breakdown of Group C.
World Cup Group C teams
Brazil
It has been 24 years since Brazil, the winningest team in World Cup history, took home the trophy. Back home, there isn't much belief that this will be the team that ends the drought. Even with a world-class coach in Carlo Ancelotti and the typical blend of elite talent at its disposal, Brazil struggled through qualifying and hasn't inspired confidence with its recent displays. Though Neymar was included on the roster, the team runs through Vinicius Jr., who has often fallen short of expectations with the national team. Can he change the narrative this summer?
Key players: Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, Casemiro
Morocco
Morocco made history at the 2022 World Cup, but coming up with an encore performance will be a massive challenge. The Atlas Lions breezed through qualification, however, and won the Africa Cup of Nations — albeit with a major asterisk. Morocco actually lost the final but was controversially awarded the title two months later after Senegal was punished for leaving the field during the game. In any case, Morocco comes to the World Cup with every chance to go on another run.
Key players: Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, Ismaël Saibari
Scotland
Making its first World Cup appearance since 1998, Scotland isn't in North America just to make up the numbers. The Scots put together an excellent qualifying campaign, winning four of six games to qualify as the winner of its group. Scotland has top-tier players like Napoli star Scott McTominay and Aston Villa's John McGinn, but it's unclear if it will have the depth or attacking firepower to make a major impact at the World Cup.
Key players: Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Andy Robertson
Haiti
Making only its second World Cup appearance and first since 1974, Haiti is firmly in the "happy to be here" category. Les Grenadiers did manage an impressive qualifying campaign, finishing atop a group that also included Costa Rica and Honduras. But with a lack of high-end talent, Haiti may be in for a short stay.
Key players: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Wilson Isidor, Ricardo Adé
World Cup Group C schedule
June 13
- Brazil vs. Morocco – New York/New Jersey, 6 p.m. ET - FS1
- Haiti vs. Scotland - Boston, 9 p.m. ET - FS1
June 19
- Scotland vs. Morocco - Boston, 6 p.m. ET - Fox
- Brazil vs. Haiti - Philadelphia, 9 p.m. ET - Fox
June 24
- Scotland vs. Brazil - Miami, 6 p.m. ET - Fox
- Morocco vs. Haiti - Atlanta, 6 p.m. ET - FS1
World Cup Group C prediction
Predicted order of finish:
- Brazil
- Morocco
- Scotland
- Haiti
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 World Cup Group C: Preview, predictions, schedule
Continue reading...
