Group C brings together Brazil, Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in a section that looks simple on reputation, but could be far more awkward once the football starts.
Brazil will be expected to top the group, especially with Carlo Ancelotti now in charge, but this does not feel like a vintage Seleção side and their qualifying campaign raised real concerns.
Morocco arrive with strong tournament pedigree and the quality to push them hard, while Scotland finally return to the World Cup with a point to prove. Haiti look like the outsiders, but they have enough danger to punish anyone who takes them lightly.
World Cup Group C guide
Brazil
Brazil are still the biggest name in Group C, but there are fair questions about how strong they really are. Their qualifying campaign was underwhelming, and they have not gone beyond a World Cup quarter-final since 2002.
Ancelotti gives them elite coaching pedigree and a level of calm that should help, but he has not had years to build this team. That makes his established relationships with Vinicius Junior and Casemiro even more important.
Casemiro’s return gives Brazil leadership and structure, while Vinicius is the player most likely to decide tight games. There is still huge talent here, but depth far behind the likes of France and Spain.
Morocco
Morocco look like the most serious threat to Brazil. Their run at the 2022 World Cup was not a one-off, and their recent qualifying form has only strengthened the feeling that this is a side built for tournament football.
They have defensive discipline, pace, athleticism and enough technical quality to trouble anyone. Achraf Hakimi remains vital, while Brahim Diaz has added another creative layer since switching international allegiance.
Morocco are also used to playing with expectation now. If Brazil are not sharp, Morocco have the tools to make this group very interesting.
Haiti
Haiti will likely be seen as the weakest team in Group C, but they are not a side to dismiss. Their recent 4-0 win over New Zealand showed they can carry a threat, and they have already caused problems for stronger opponents in CONCACAF competition.
The challenge is consistency. Against Brazil and Morocco, Haiti may have to defend for long spells and take the few chances that come their way.
That is not easy, but they do have the potential to punish a slow start or a careless performance. Scotland, in particular, should be wary.
Scotland
Scotland are back at the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
Scott McTominay has become a defining figure for this team, with his goals and big moments helping push Scotland to a tournament they have waited decades to reach.
The next step is performing when they get there. Their last two European Championship campaigns were poor, with just two points from six games and only three goals scored.
This group gives Scotland a chance, but not a guarantee. They should have enough to compete with Haiti, but getting closer to Brazil or Morocco would require a major improvement.
Predicting Group C at the World Cup
You can probably tell roughly where this is going, but I’m mixing it up slightly. Morocco are not a team to be taken lightly, and I actually think they edge Brazil to top the group.
Ancelotti’s side must settle for second, while Scotland should have enough to hold onto third amid pressure from a Haiti side capable of an upset. Still, expect them to finish bottom.
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