Group C features one of the tournament favorites in Brazil and Africa’s highest-ranked team in Morocco. While both nations are widely expected to advance to the knockout stage, Scotland will look to challenge the established order, while Haiti hopes to make the most of its long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage.
Brazil enters as the clear favorite on paper, but Morocco’s remarkable rise over the past four years has transformed the Atlas Lions from a surprise package into one of the world’s most respected national teams. That leaves Scotland fighting to upset the expected order and keep the race for qualification alive.
Brazil
Brazil enters the World Cup as the highest-ranked team in Group C and one of the leading contenders for the title. The Seleção remains loaded with attacking talent, while legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti takes charge of the national team in a historic first for Brazilian football.
Led by stars such as Vinícius Júnior and Casemiro, Brazil possesses quality across every position. The challenge now is ending a 24-year wait for a sixth World Cup title and delivering on the expectations that follow the sport’s most successful nation.
FIFA World Ranking: 6th
ESPN Prediction: 1885 Elo Rating (5th), 97% chance of advancing
Morocco
Morocco enters the tournament as Africa’s highest-ranked team and one of the continent’s greatest success stories. The Atlas Lions made history in 2022 by becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal, a breakthrough that changed how the football world views the team.
Built around defensive discipline, organization, and quick counterattacks, Morocco remains one of the most difficult teams to break down. With many of its key players competing in Europe’s top leagues, another appearance in the knockout stage is now viewed as an expectation rather than a surprise.
FIFA World Ranking: 7th
ESPN Prediction: 1736 Elo Rating (25th), 91% chance of advancing
Scotland
Scotland returns to the World Cup after ending a long absence from the tournament and arrives with momentum following a successful qualification campaign. The Scots rely on physical play, defensive commitment, and a willingness to disrupt opponents’ rhythm rather than dominate possession.
While they lack the star power of Brazil and Morocco, ESPN’s model still gives Scotland a 66% chance of advancing, suggesting they remain firmly in contention for a surprise qualification spot.
FIFA World Ranking: 42nd
ESPN Prediction: 1684 Elo Rating (32nd), 66% chance of advancing
Haiti
Haiti returns to the World Cup for the first time in more than five decades and enters Group C as the clear underdog. Simply reaching the tournament represents a major achievement for the Caribbean nation.
With limited World Cup experience and the lowest ranking in the group, Haiti faces a difficult challenge. However, the team will be determined to compete fearlessly and create memorable moments on the global stage.
FIFA World Ranking: 83rd
ESPN Prediction: 1583 Elo Rating (42nd), 16% chance of advancing
Who Advances?
Brazil appears comfortably positioned to top the group, while Morocco enters as the favorite to secure the second qualification spot after establishing itself as one of Africa’s elite teams. Scotland, however, remains the biggest threat to that expected outcome.
Projected Finish
- Brazil
- Morocco
- Scotland
- Haiti
