Group C — Group Standings

Race for 1st place

Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti are the clear favourites to top Group C. The Italian's first major tournament with the Seleção brings tactical structure to the Vinícius–Rodrygo–Raphinha attacking trident, and with Endrick rising fast, Brazil have the deepest forward line of any team in the tournament. The decider is Brazil vs. Morocco on matchday 2 — a repeat of the 2023 friendly that Morocco won 2-1. Anything but a Brazil win in that fixture leaves the group winner unclear until the final round.

Race for 2nd place

Morocco are the obvious second-place pick and a genuine threat to Brazil for first. Walid Regragui's 2022 semifinalists boast Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri — a side that knows how to grind out tournament wins. Morocco should take six points from Scotland and Haiti, and even a defeat to Brazil leaves them on 6 pts and very likely runners-up. The risk: a slow start against Scotland on matchday 1.

Third-place playoff slot

Scotland should claim the third-place playoff slot in their first World Cup since 1998. Steve Clarke's well-drilled, disciplined 3-4-2-1 leans on Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay and Kieran Tierney, and the Scots will be physically and mentally ready for tournament football. The likely path: a defeat to Morocco, a heavy loss to Brazil and a comfortable win over Haiti — three points and a respectable goal difference should be enough for the best-third tiebreakers.

Bottom of the group

Haiti are the most likely group bottom. Their first World Cup since 1974 is itself a triumph for a federation rebuilding through diaspora-based recruitment, but Sébastien Migné's squad is significantly outclassed at this level. Realistically, Haiti's target is a goal scored and a respectable performance against Scotland on matchday 3 — three losses is the most probable outcome.