World Cup 2026: Group C Preview

Preview to Group C

BRAZIL

MANAGER: Carlo Ancelotti

FIFA RANKING: 6

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 22

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Winners x5 - 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002

Brazil might still be the record winners of this tournament, but they haven't won it in 24 years. Since their last World Cup win in 2002, they've been a side who are fancied at the start of every tournament only for them to blow it. But in Carlo Ancelotti, they have a manager who has won the lot at club level including six Champions League's and he was brought in essentially to end their World Cup hoodoo.

KEY PLAYER: Vinicius Junior

Position: Winger

Club: Real Madrid

This World Cup is set to be a big tournament for Vinicius as he has the chance to step up and become Brazil's main man. He's yet to deliver in a major tournament for Brazil but with his former boss Ancelotti in charge, we could finally see him deliver for his country as it was Ancelotti who helped him develop into the player he is today at Real Madrid.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Gabriel

Position: Centre Back

Club: Arsenal

Gabriel has been one of the best centre backs in the world over the last couple of years and he was right up there last season following a stellar campaign at Arsenal. He's a threat in boxes due to his height and Brazil should definitely look to use his aerial ability when they have a set piece.

PREDICTION: Runners Up

They're always among the favourites heading into every tournament only for them to disappoint every year. Having a manager like Ancelotti in charge gives them a chance, but I think they'll fall short again.

MOROCCO

MANAGER: Mohamed Ouahbi

FIFA RANKING: 8

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 6

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: 4th Place - 2022

Morocco were the surprise package in Qatar as they reached the semi finals, becoming the first African nation to do so. Repeating that feat will be tough because the bigger teams will be stronger, but out of all the African sides at this tournament they look like the side who will go the furthest. They won AFCON back in January due to Senegal fielding an ineligible player and most of the squad from four years ago are still around.

KEY PLAYER: Achraf Hakimi

Position: Right Back

Club: PSG

Hakimi is probably the best right back in the world right now because of his energy and ability to be effective at both sides of the game. Having a player of his quality in their side is a big bonus for Morocco as they look to repeat their feat from four years ago.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Brahim Diaz

Position: Winger

Club: Real Madrid

He might not be a regular start at Real Madrid, but for Morocco Diaz always delivers with AFCON being an example. He was the top scorer at that tournament as Morocco went all the way and they'll need him to repeat that form at this tournament if they're to get close to what they achieved last time.

PREDICTION: Last 32

Repeating what they did four years ago is a big ask. They should have enough to get out of the group but I don't see them going as far as they did last did.

HAITI

MANAGER: Sebastian Migne

FIFA RANKING: 83

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 1

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Group Stage - 1974

Haiti will make their first appearance at a World Cup finals in over 50 years and to see a country of their size at these finals is truly remarkable. They've suffered a lot as a country during their absence from the big stage with which included an earthquake 16 years ago and to see them back on the big stage after all that is simply incredible.

KEY PLAYER: Duckens Nazon

Position: Striker

Club: Esteghal

Nazon has bags of international experience under his belt at the age of 32 and it was his goals that got Haiti to these finals. He's a striker who is big, strong, has a good eye for goal and can also bring people into play and if Haiti are to make it out the group, they'll need him on top of his game.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Jean Ricner Bellegarde

Position: Midfielder

Club: Wolves

Bellegarde is one of the few players in the Haiti squad who has played at a high level after a couple of years at Wolves in the Premier League. He's a player who will look to create chances and make things happen whenever he has the ball in the opposition half.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

They don't have any tournament experience and are also lacking quality at the top level. Because of this I can see them going home early.

SCOTLAND

MANAGER: Steve Clarke

FIFA RANKING: 43

WORLD CUP APPEARANCES: 8

BEST WORLD CUP FINISH: Group Stage x8 - 1954, 1958, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990 and 1998

Scotland are back at a World Cup finals for the first time in 28 years and they'll be looking to do what they've never done at a major tournament in qualifying from the group stages. Their recent performances at major tournaments in the last two Euros have been disappointing and especially the Euros two years ago where they got battered in their opening game by Germany from which they never recovered.

KEY PLAYER: Scott McTominay

Position: Midfielder

Club: Napoli

McTominay has been given a new lease of life since joining Napoli as he's gone from being a laughing stock at Man United to now one of the best midfielders around. Scotland fans will remember him best for his overhead kick against Denmark during their final qualifier and they'll be hoping that he can come up with another moment of quality like that at this tournament.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Ryan Christie

Position: Midfielder

Club: Bournemouth

Christie was one of the best midfielders without the ball in the Premier League last season due to his incredible energy and work rate without the ball. He always looks to win the ball back for his team the moment he loses it and this will be key for Scotland because they're likely to have games where they're going to have less of the ball.

PREDICTION: Group Stage

It's good to have them back on the big stage after so many years away. They will be looking to give it more of a go following recent disappointments, but I think they'll unfortunately fall short again.