Group C

Group C is structurally straightforward at the top and genuinely unpredictable in the middle. Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti — the most decorated club manager in history making his international coaching debut — arrive as tournament favorites with Vinicius Junior at the peak of his powers, Raphinha as one of Europe's most complete attackers, and Bruno Guimarães as a world-class box-to-box midfielder. Their opening match against Morocco at MetLife Stadium on June 13 is one of the most anticipated group-stage matchups of the tournament.

Morocco’s 2022 World Cup semifinal run established them as genuine contenders, and under Mohamed Ouahbi’s higher-pressing approach they represent the most credible second-place threat. Their defensive organization and transition speed create problems for any opponent, including Brazil. Scotland under Steve Clarke return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, featuring Scott McTominay in peak form at Napoli — yet their 25-year absence weighs psychologically.

Haiti make a fairytale return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974 — a 52-year gap that makes their qualification one of the tournament’s great stories. They will face the quality gap head-on, but will carry passionate support from the Haitian diaspora, particularly in the United States, to every venue.