Group C — Group Standings

Pre-Tournament Forecast

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–Raphinha–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, Brahim Díaz and Ayoub El Kaabi — 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.

Updated After Matchday 1

Group C delivered surprises from the start: Morocco held Brazil to a draw and Scotland beat Haiti to top the quartet alone. Brazil played their usual attacking game but ran into Morocco's compact defence — the same issue critics flagged before the tournament: no cold finisher in the final third. Scotland looked nearly flawless with disciplined pressing and dangerous set pieces, now with an excellent chance of advancing. The group's decider is Scotland–Morocco on 19 June: a Scottish win practically sends them through, a defeat opens the door for Morocco and keeps Brazil in the race. Haiti are effectively out — their next two matches against Brazil and Morocco look unmanageable.

Updated After Matchday 2

Morocco continue to defy the odds: after holding Brazil, they edged Scotland 1–0 to move level with the Seleção on four points, while Brazil eased past already-eliminated Haiti 3–0 to restore confidence and goal difference. Scotland's 1–0 defeat was a blow but not fatal — on three points, they still control their fate. The group hinges on Scotland–Brazil on 24 June: a Scottish win, combined with Morocco beating Haiti, could even send Brazil home; anything less and the five-time champions go through. Morocco, who face the group's whipping boys, are strong favourites to seal qualification and possibly top spot. Haiti, already out, play only for pride. The likeliest scenario: Morocco and Brazil advance, with Scotland needing a win and a favour.