Brazil and Morocco: The Heavyweights of Group C
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, taking place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Brazil and Morocco emerge as the primary favorites in Group C, which also includes the resilient Scotland and Haiti, a team making its long-awaited return to the tournament after more than fifty years. The two giants will face each other in the opening match at the MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, with both teams expected to navigate the group stage successfully despite potential challenges.
Brazil's Journey: New Leadership and Rising Stars
Historically, Brazil is considered one of the top contenders for the World Cup title; however, the team enters the tournament in a period of transition and adaptation. Following the departure of Adenor Leonardo Bacchi, known as 'Tite', Brazilian football has undergone a significant shift, one that Carlo Ancelotti, the renowned Italian coach, has stepped into as the new head coach. Ancelotti, who has enjoyed remarkable success with some of Europe's most prestigious clubs, took the reins in May of the previous year and recently extended his contract until 2030. His arrival has helped stabilize the team, yet results have been mixed with just five victories out of ten matches, alongside two draws and three losses.
The inclusion of Neymar in Ancelotti's squad comes as a surprise, given that he has not played for the national team since October 2023 and has not yet returned to the form that once made him a star at FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. He will be joined by fellow stars Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha, who play for Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, respectively. Despite their talent, concerns linger regarding the team's creativity in midfield and defensive weaknesses on the flanks.
On the other hand, Morocco has established itself as a formidable contender following an unprecedented semifinal run in the last World Cup, where they notably defeated footballing powerhouses like Spain and Portugal. They aim to shed the label of 'dark horse' and confirm their status as a top-tier team. With a new coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, at the helm, who previously led Morocco's U-20 team to a World Cup championship in October 2025, the squad is poised to capitalize on its promising potential. The team boasts a mix of players developed in European leagues, including Spain, France, and the Netherlands, showcasing a strong defensive strategy complemented by a quick counterattack.
Leading the Moroccan side is Achraf Hakimi, a dynamic player from PSG, supported by rapid wingers such as Brahim Díaz and Abde Ezzalzouli. In midfield, Neil El Aynaoui has had an impressive season with Roma, and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, known as 'Bono', remains a reliable last line of defense.
Scotland presents itself as the group’s dark horse after securing their place in the World Cup by topping their qualification group, which included Denmark, Greece, and Belarus. Under the guidance of Steve Clarke, the Scottish squad is characterized by its Premier League DNA, with standout midfielder Scott McTominay leading the charge. After transferring from Manchester United to Napoli in mid-2024, McTominay has displayed a newfound scoring ability this season. Key players such as John McGinn from Aston Villa, along with forwards Lyndon Dykes, Ché Adams, and Ryan Christie, are expected to contribute significantly to Scotland's attacking efforts.
Lastly, Haiti, the poorest nation in the Americas, faces immense political, economic, and social challenges but has made a remarkable return to the World Cup after last participating in 1974. Despite limited resources, the team managed to surpass stronger opponents like Costa Rica during the qualifying rounds, making them the theoretically most accessible rival in the group. However, their footballing prowess has improved significantly in recent years. Among the 26-player roster selected by coach Sébastien Migné, notable figures include Duckens Nazon, the national team’s all-time leading scorer, along with captain and goalkeeper Johny Placide, central defender Ricardo Adé, and full-back Carlens Arcus, who has excelled in the French league this season. The midfield will be anchored by Leverton Pierre and Danley Jean Jacques, ensuring a competitive presence for the Caribbean nation in this World Cup.
As reported by swissinfo.ch.
