World Cup 2026: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland Preview
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to deliver one of its most intriguing group-stage battles as five-time champion Brazil takes on African powerhouse Morocco in Group C. With Scotland ending a 28-year drought and Haiti returning after 52 years, this group promises drama, history, and high-stakes football across the United States.
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
- Venues: New York, Philadelphia, Miami, Boston, Atlanta
- Dates: June 2026 (exact schedule TBC)
Brazil: Seeking Redemption After Quarterfinal Heartbreak
Brazil, the most successful nation in World Cup history with five titles, last lifted the trophy in 2002. Since then, the Seleção have been eliminated in the quarterfinals at every tournament except 2014, when they reached the semifinals but suffered a humiliating 7-1 loss to Germany. Four years ago in Qatar, Croatia sent Brazil home in a penalty shootout.
This time, Brazil will be led by Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior and Barcelona’s Raphinha. However, Madrid forward Rodrygo has been ruled out due to a knee injury. The team underperformed in World Cup qualifiers, including stinging losses to archrival Argentina, prompting the Brazilian soccer confederation to recruit veteran coach Carlo Ancelotti from Real Madrid. Though Ancelotti guided the team across the finish line, Brazil finished only fifth in South American qualifying.
Morocco: Building on Historic Fourth-Place Finish
Morocco finished fourth at the last World Cup — the best result ever by an African team. They beat Spain in the round of 16 and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the quarterfinals before falling to eventual runner-up France in the semifinals. The team enters the World Cup fresh off a chaotic end to the Africa Cup of Nations, which they hosted in December and January. Morocco lost the final to Senegal, but the result was overturned in March by the Confederation of African Football, which ruled that Senegal forfeited the final by leaving the field without the referee’s authorization. Coach Walid Regragui quit after the final, and Morocco will have a new man in charge: Mohamed Ouahbi, who led Morocco’s under-20 team to the Youth World Cup title. Morocco will co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
Haiti: Second World Cup Appearance After 52 Years
Haiti is set to make its second World Cup appearance, and first since 1974, after winning its CONCACAF qualifying group. In 1974, Haiti was eliminated after three consecutive losses against Italy, Poland, and Argentina. The team is likely to struggle against its group-stage opponents this time as well. Coached by Frenchman Sebastien Migne, Haiti currently sits in 83rd place in FIFA’s world rankings, ahead of only New Zealand among the 48 qualified teams. The team will be led by 32-year-old Duckens Nazon, the joint-top scorer in CONCACAF qualifying with six goals, including a hat-trick while coming off the bench in a 3-3 draw at Costa Rica.
Scotland: Ending a 28-Year World Cup Drought
Scotland will be playing in its first World Cup since 1998 thanks to a late win over Denmark in its final qualifier last year. The team will be led by Scott McTominay, who scored one of the goals in the dramatic 4-2 win over Denmark that sealed Scotland’s return. Coach Steve Clarke has been in charge since 2019 and will be the first man to lead the nation at three major tournaments. Scotland was eliminated in the group stage at the 2020 and 2024 European Championships. It has never made it past the group stage in its eight previous World Cup appearances. It also faced Brazil in 1998, being narrowly beaten 2-1 by the then defending champion.
Key Player Stats
| Player | Team | Goals in Qualifying | World Cup Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinícius Júnior | Brazil | 8 | 1 (2022) |
| Duckens Nazon | Haiti | 6 | 0 |
| Scott McTominay | Scotland | 4 | 0 |
| Hakim Ziyech | Morocco | 3 | 1 (2022) |
What’s Next: Group C Outlook
Brazil and Morocco are favorites to advance, but Scotland’s resilience and Haiti’s unpredictability could cause upsets. Brazil’s opening match against Scotland in New York will be a rematch of 1998, while Morocco faces Haiti in Atlanta. The group finale could see Brazil vs. Morocco in Miami for top spot. With both teams eyeing knockout-stage momentum, every point matters.
Where to Watch
All Group C matches will be broadcast live on Fox Sports (English) and Telemundo (Spanish) in the United States. International viewers can tune in via local broadcasters: BBC and ITV in the UK, Globo in Brazil, and beIN Sports in the Middle East and North Africa. Streaming options include FuboTV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV for US audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Brazil struggle in World Cup qualifying?
Brazil finished fifth in South American qualifying due to inconsistent performances and key injuries, including Rodrygo’s knee issue. Coach Carlo Ancelotti was brought in late to stabilize the team.
What are Morocco’s chances after their fourth-place finish?
Morocco has a strong core from 2022, but a coaching change and AFCON controversy may disrupt momentum. They remain a dangerous side capable of reaching the knockout stages.
How did Haiti qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Haiti won their CONCACAF qualifying group, led by Duckens Nazon’s six goals, including a hat-trick against Costa Rica. They return after a 52-year absence.
Can Scotland advance past the group stage for the first time?
Scotland has never advanced past the group stage in eight previous World Cups. With a tough group including Brazil and Morocco, it will be a significant challenge.
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