Brazil under Carlos Ancelotti might be under the spotlight as the South American giants, since Japan-South Korea in 2002, haven’t found their mojo in recent FIFA World Cups. A fourth-place finish on home soil in 2014 was their best finish since then.
Haiti make a comeback after 1974, their only previous appearance in the tournament, while Scotland return to the biggest stage after 28 years. Their last appearance was in France 1998, where Morocco and Brazil were in their group.
C1: Brazil (WR-5)
Fixtures
vs Morocco, June 14, 3:30 am, New Jersey Stadium
vs Haiti, June 20, 6:30 am, Philadelphia Stadium
vs Scotland, June 25, 3:30 am, Miami Stadium
Previous best
Champions in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002
How they qualified?
With 28 points from 18 matches in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, the Seleção finished 5th — not the best qualification campaign for Ancelotti’s boys. They started strong with a 5-1 win against Bolivia, but lost to Argentina twice, 1-0 and 4-1.
Key player
Vinicius Junior. The Real Madrid forward scored twice in the qualifiers and will perhaps be the man on the radar in Brazil’s attack.
Likely breakthrough star
Chelsea’s Estêvão Willian is the most scrutinised teen footballer on the planet after Lamine Yamal. Made his name over two seasons with Palmeiras, and has already scored a wonder goal in the EPL.
Coaching credentials
He would be one of the most high-profile managers in the upcoming World Cup. The former Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, Chelsea and AC Milan boss, Ancelotti took charge of Brazil for a reported salary of 10 million euros, with a five-million-euro bonus if they win the World Cup.
Realistic expectations
With Brazil, the expectation is always to be the champion. The most successful team in the competition’s history, Brazil, with a high-profile side and multiple stars of European club football, should reach the semi-final of the 2026 edition, if not go further.
C2: Morocco (WR-11)
Fixtures:
Vs Brazil, June 14, 3:30 am, New Jersey
Vs Scotland, June 20, 3:30 am, Boston Stadium
Vs Haiti, June 25, 3:30 am, Atlanta Stadium
Previous best:
Fourth place in 2022
How they qualified?
Morocco qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the Group E toppers in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) qualifiers. In eight matches, they had a positive goal difference of +20 with 24 points, nine clear of second-placed Niger.
Key Player
Without a doubt, Achraf Hakimi is their most valuable player. The Paris Saint-Germain defender captains the side. Besides being the solid pillar in defence, the 27-year-old adds value to the attack during set pieces, having scored 11-times for his country in 88 games.
Likely breakthrough star
Olympiacos forward Ayoub El Kaabi is one name who drew attention in the qualifiers, scoring four goals including a hattrick against Congo.
Coaching credentials
Appointed the head coach of the Morocco national football team in 2022, Walid Regragui led the side to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 1986. Ultimately finishing fourth, their best ever campaign, Regragui placed third at the IFFHS World’s Best National Coach award, after Lionel Scaloni and Didier Deschamps.
Realistic expectations
Under the same coach, and with a mixture of young and experienced players, Morocco are sure to challenge Brazil and will look to dominate against Scotland and Haiti. They might push all the way to the quarterfinals and make it back-to-back knockout berths.
C3: Haiti (WR-84)
Fixtures:
vs Scotland, June 14, 6:30 am, Boston Stadium
vs Brazil, June 20, 6:30 am, Philadelphia Stadium
vs Morocco, June 25, 3:30 am, Atlanta Stadium
Previous best
Group stage in 1974
How they qualified?
Haiti qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the Group C toppers in the CONCACAF qualifiers with 11 points from six games. With Honduras, Costa Rica and Nicaragua in the group, Haiti won three games and drew two.
Key player
One of the highest-capped players in the squad, Duckens Nazon would be one name that the small Caribbean nation rely on in their forward line. He scored four times in the qualifiers, including a hat-trick against Costa Rica, and has scored 44 times in total for his country in 78 appearances. Previously, Nazon had played in the Indian Super League for Kerala Blasters in the 2016-17 season.
Likely breakthrough star
Frantzdy Pierrot, the 6 feet 4 inches striker, who plays club football in Greece for AEK Athens would be one name to bolster the Haiti attack.
Coaching credentials
Sébastian Migné, who previously took the DR Congo U20 national team to the continental championship for the first time in their history, took charge of Haiti in June 2024. Throughout his career, Migné has coached on the African continent. Under him, Kenya was nominated the CAF Men’s national team of the year in 2018 for the first time in their history.
He led Haiti to the 2026 World Cup, their second appearance, making them the only Caribbean nation to achieve this feat.
Realistic expectations
Not much to expect from Haiti other than competitive football. However, with multiple players playing club football in Major League Soccer, they’ll have the sort of valuable experience needed to create an upset.
C4: Scotland (WR-36)
Fixtures
vs Haiti, June 14, 6:30 am, Boston Stadium
vs Morocco, June 20, 3:30 am, Boston Stadium
vs Brazil, June 25, 3:30 am, Miami Stadium
Previous best
Group stage in 1954, 58, 74, 78, 82, 86, 90, 98
How they qualified?
This time, the Tartan Army qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals by being the UEFA Group C winners. In a fairly competitive group, with Denmark, Greece and Belarus, they won 4 games out of 6 and finished with 13 points, two clear of second-placed Denmark. Throughout the qualifiers, Scotland have had nine different scorers on the sheet, rather than relying on one top striker.
Key player:
Scott McTominay, the former Manchester United and current Napoli midfielder would be closely watched in the Scotland midfield. With a reported 27.5 million GBP deal from United to Napoli, the 29-year-old is a ‘fan favourite’ in Naples.
Likely breakthrough star
There are multiple promising youngsters in the squad who play club football across the United Kingdom. However, Bournemouth Ben Doak, who was on the books at Liverpool, has caught the eye with his surging runs and dribbling on the right wing.
Coaching credentials
Steve Clarke, a former national team player, was appointed the head coach in May 2019, making him their longest-serving manager in terms of games managed. During Jose Mourinho’s stint at Chelsea, Clarke served as his assistant manager and won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups in that phase.
Realistic expectations
Scotland are a team that have produced several stars of World football – Denis Law and Kenny Dalglish, to name just two. However, they haven’t made the World Cup knockouts yet. The current squad under Clarke might break the deadlock this time.
Group Prediction
- Brazil
- Morocco
- Scotland
- Haiti
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