Group C

Brazil

CONMEBOL · FIFA #5

Brazil, the most successful nation in World Cup history with five titles, arrive at 2026 hungry to end a 24-year wait for a sixth star. Under Dorival Júnior, the Seleção boast one of the most exciting attacking units in world football, led by Real Madrid's electric Vinicius Jr and the emerging young superstar Endrick. Group C alongside Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti looks very manageable, and Brazil will be heavy favourites to top the group and challenge deep into the tournament. A quarter-century without a title has brought unusual scrutiny to Brazilian football, but the talent in this squad has the potential to silence the doubters.

Base camp: Morristown, New Jersey

Morocco

CAF · FIFA #12

Morocco made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals and finishing fourth - the best result ever by an African or Arab nation. Under the tactically astute Walid Regragui, the Atlas Lions combine a defensive solidity with rapid counter-attacking, marshalled by Inter Milan's Achraf Hakimi and the creative Hakim Ziyech. Group C at World Cup 2026 places Morocco alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti - a favourable draw beyond the Brazil fixture that should see them advance. Morocco are legitimate dark-horse contenders to repeat their 2022 heroics and cause upsets deep into the knockout rounds.

Base camp: Basking Ridge, New Jersey

Scotland

UEFA · FIFA #31 · 🔁 First WC in years

Scotland make their long-awaited World Cup return in 2026, ending a painful 28-year absence that stretches back to France 1998. The Tartan Army is one of football's most passionate travelling fanbases, and qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been met with national celebration. Steve Clarke's Scotland are a well-organised, hard-working side built around Liverpool captain Andrew Robertson and the tireless Scott McTominay. Group C alongside Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti is genuinely tough, and advancing would be a historic achievement - but Scottish football needed this moment regardless of the results.

Base camp: Charlotte, North Carolina

Haiti

CONCACAF · FIFA #100 · 🔁 First WC in years

Haiti make a historic return to the World Cup stage in 2026, more than 50 years after their only previous appearance at West Germany 1974. The Grenadiers, who famously conceded 14 goals across three group games in 1974, have built a far more competitive side from the Haitian diaspora playing in Europe and North America. Coach Marc Collat has united players born in France, the USA, and Canada under the Haitian flag to qualify for this historic 2026 FIFA World Cup. Group C against Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland represents a steep challenge, but Haiti's achievement in qualifying is already a triumph for the nation.

Base camp: Galloway, New Jersey

1C · Group winner

1C faces a third-placed team in M76

2C · Runner-up

2C faces 2B in M85

3C · Third (if best-of-12)

Third-place option pool 1. Only the top 8 of 12 third-placed teams qualify.