Brazil
Odds to win the World Cup: 8/19.00
Odds to win Group C: 1/41.25
Profile
Under Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil have adopted a notably different approach from their historical style. The emphasis is more reactive and vertical than the "golden years" of the past, with pace on the wings and talented young players compensating for the absence of a traditional playmaker or number 10. Defensively, they present an experienced unit, but the forward line combines youth with selective big-game experience. The midfield has become a potential vulnerability, particularly in creation and defensive cover on the flanks, an area Ancelotti will need to tighten.
How They Qualified
Brazil's path to the 2026 World Cup was decidedly bumpy. They started poorly and only showed genuine improvement once Ancelotti took charge in June 2025. The Brazilian Football Federation experienced significant internal turmoil, including a period with an interim manager, before securing Ancelotti's signature. Despite these disruptions, they eventually finished fifth in the CONMEBOL qualifying campaign - one of Brazil's weakest qualifying performances ever. However, recent form suggests a side in transition rather than decline.
The Manager
Ancelotti brings extensive pedigree and tactical flexibility. Brazil operate in variations of the 4-3-3, 4-2-2-2 and 4-4-2, allowing them to adapt based on opposition. Against stronger teams, they can surrender possession and operate reactively; against weaker sides, they attempt to control proceedings. This versatility should serve them well in an expanded World Cup environment where opponents will likely vary significantly in quality.
The Squad
The squad reflects Brazil's generational shift. While the defence comprises experienced operators, the attack centres on young, energetic talent. However, the absence of a creative hub remains a concern (May be why Neymar has being called up). The midfield lacks a standout orchestrator, which could prove problematic in tight matches where possession control becomes valuable.
Key Man
Vinícius Júnior carries significant expectations and criticism in equal measure. Despite not quite replicating his Real Madrid form at international level, he's positioned to finally shoulder the responsibility of Brazil's creative burden. Raphinha faces similar scrutiny and expectations.
One to Watch
Danilo (Botafogo) and Luiz Henrique (Zenit) are rising players who have impressed in recent friendlies and could potentially feature in the starting eleven.
Tournament Prospects
Brazil's recent World Cup exits - notably the quarter-final eliminations - have reset expectations. While Brazilians will always harbour ambitions of lifting the trophy, from the outside looking in, a success would be to progress beyond the last eight. Historically, Brazil remain contenders, yet the complete restructuring of both squad and federation has transformed them into something closer to underdogs than the traditional powerhouses of old.
The route through the group should be ok, but Brazil's consistency will be tested. Success depends on whether Ancelotti works his magic that delivered multiple Champions League successes, and whether the creative deficiency proves more than a minor inconvenience.
Haiti
Odds to win the World Cup: 500/1501.00
Odds to win Group C: 150/1151.00
Profile
Haiti will compete in their first World Cup finals since 1974. Les Grenadiers have a proud footballing tradition, and under Sébastien Migne, appointed in March 2024, they've navigated CONCACAF qualifying with determination. The French coach brought experience from lower-tier English football in the late 1990s and has already achieved Haiti's primary objective: World Cup qualification itself.
How They Qualified
Haiti's path comprised two CONCACAF rounds. In Round Two, they finished runners-up in Group C behind Curaçao, collecting three wins and suffering only a 5-1 loss to the eventual qualifiers. Round Three was more competitive, featuring Costa Rica and Honduras. Haiti only had one defeat - a 3-0 loss away to Honduras - but crucially took four points from Costa Rica. Haiti confirmed qualification by beating Nicaragua 2-0 in their final match. After they won that match, Haiti had to watch on someone's phone and wait for the FT whistle in Costa Rica vs. Honduras where a goalless draw confirmed Haiti secured their place at the World Cup.
The Manager
Migne has managed extensively across Africa, including spells with DR Congo, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon as assistant coach. His appointment represented a calculated attempt to establish structure and professionalism. Haiti have frequently adjusted formation during qualifying, though only three or four players appear certain starters suggesting tactical experimentation may continue.
The Squad
The squad received significant reinforcement recently with Sunderland's Wendell Isidor declaring for Haiti and debuting in recent friendlies. Isidor's calibre represents a major boost. Alongside Wilfried Bellegarde (Wolves), whose quality and attacking threat drive Haiti's ambitions, the squad possesses reasonable competitive depth despite uncertainty over the starting XI.
Key Man
Isidor is undoubtedly the standout addition, but Bellegarde arguably remains more crucial. His attacking threat combined with defensive attributes could prove decisive in close contests.
One to Watch
Duckens Lacroix, the left-back, grew up in New Jersey and studied in Philadelphia, where Haiti will face Brazil on 19 June. Lacroix was instrumental in qualifying, scoring once and providing two assists across eight matches.
Tournament Prospects
While Haiti have impressed qualifying observers, upsets in Group C appear unlikely. Nevertheless, they possess sufficient quality to trouble opponents periodically. Scoring goals remains achievable; preventing them will be the genuine challenge.
Morocco
Odds to win the World Cup: 66/167.00
Odds to win Group C: 7/24.50
Profile
Morocco enter the 2026 World Cup as a transformed force. Ranked eighth globally and top-ranked among African nations, they've evolved dramatically from World Cup underdogs. Their 2022 semi-final appearance - the first achieved by any African or Arab nation - fundamentally altered their trajectory. Since Qatar, they've lifted the AFCON trophy (via CAF Appeal Board decision following Senegal's walkoff), won the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup, and captured the U-20 World Cup in Chile. As co-hosts of the 2030 tournament alongside Spain and Portugal, the federation views 2026 as a stepping stone rather than a destination.
How They Qualified
Morocco's qualifying campaign was near-perfect. Facing Zambia, Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Niger and Eritrea (who withdrew) in CAF Group E, they won all eight matches, scoring 22 and conceding just two - the only 100% record across African qualifying. They clinched qualification in emphatic style with a 5-0 demolition of Niger in Rabat, becoming the first nation worldwide to secure a 2026 spot. Their defensive solidity - eight games, eight clean sheets - reflected their broader competitive level.
The Manager
A potential weakness. On 6 March 2026, manager Walid Regragui and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation parted ways following the chaotic AFCON final and poor performance across 120 minutes. Successor Mohamed Ouahbi, 49, is a Belgian-Moroccan from Brussels who never played professional football. He spent 17 years with Anderlecht's academy, working with Lukaku and Tielemans, before winning the U-20 World Cup in Chile (2-0 vs Argentina, October 2025). His senior debut represents genuine uncertainty - pragmatic, compact defence and counter-attacking football define his approach, but he has not had long to implement his style.
The Squad
Morocco players feature for top European clubs: PSG, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Real Betis, Roma and PSV. They've succeeded in convincing dual-nationality players like Brahim Díaz, Mazraoui, Aguerd and Ben Seghir to choose Morocco. Likely setup is a 4-3-3/4-1-4-1 hybrid with Nayil El Aynaoui as holding midfielder and pace on both flanks.
Morocco have an elite goalkeeper in Yassine Bounou (CAF Goalkeeper of the Year, 2025)and a genuinely excellent defence - just one open-play goal conceded across AFCON 2025's seven matches. Plenty of set-piece threat via Hakimi's delivery and counter-attacking pace.
Hakimi's fitness remains uncertain following November 2025 ankle surgery. Romain Aguerd's left-side defensive cover compromised by injury. Scoring remains problematic with only six goals across seven matches reaching the 2022 semi-final. The managerial transition introduces genuine unpredictability.
Key Man
Achraf Hakimi had a Ballon d'Or-tier 2025: starting PSG's historic treble (Ligue 1, Coupe de France, first-ever Champions League), scoring in the final (5-0 vs Inter) and finishing sixth in the Ballon d'Or - the highest ever for a Moroccan or African defender. He won the 2025 CAF Player of the Year, the first defender in 52 years to do so. His 2024-25 output: six goals and four assists in Ligue 1, five goals and four assists in the Champions League. This season's ankle injury disrupted momentum, though he's returned to PSG and played both March friendlies.
One to Watch
Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart, 21), an attacking midfielder, benefited from being Ouahbi's Anderlecht academy student. His Bundesliga return produced four goals and four assists in 22 appearances; five goals in Europa League. He started both March friendlies.
Tournament Prospects
The group is manageable and Morocco probably need one win to virtually ensure progression. Realistic expectations: group runners-up behind Brazil, leading to a Round of 32 tie probably against a third-placed side. Quarter-finals represent the likely ceiling; semi-finals remain possible but would require favourable brackets and Ouahbi hitting the ground running.
Scotland
Odds to win the World Cup: 150/1151.00
Odds to win Group C: 9/110.00
Profile
Scotland's World Cup history is bittersweet despite football's historical roots there (their first international was against England in 1872). Absent since 1998 - a 28-year gap - they've never progressed beyond the group stage. However, between 1974 and 1990, they qualified for five consecutive tournaments, recording memorable results including a 3-2 victory over the Netherlands in 1978, who subsequently reached that year's final.
How They Qualified
Drawn in UEFA Group C alongside Denmark, Greece and Belarus, Scotland weren't initial favourites. An impressive opening - holding Denmark away- set the tone. Three consecutive wins (two versus Belarus, one against Greece after trailing) positioned them strongly. However, defeat in Athens meant only a home victory versus Denmark would guarantee direct qualification. On a dramatic night at Hampden Park, late goals from Kenny McLean (from the halfway line) and Kieran Tierney goal secured the job in a 4-2 win.
The Manager
Steve Clarke has managed Scotland since May 2019, immediately securing Euro 2020 qualification via playoffs and subsequently Euro 2024 qualification. Clarke has been an assistant to Ruud Gullit (Newcastle), José Mourinho (Chelsea) and Kenny Dalglish (Liverpool), shaping his football philosophy. His management career began at West Brom (2012) with unremarkable English club spells before returning to Scotland via Kilmarnock.
Clarke systematically dismantled Scottish stereotypes - the long-ball, foul-prone template of old. His system transitions between 4-2-3-1 (attacking) and 4-4-1-1 (defensive), exploiting key players' attributes: Doak and McGinn's one-on-one prowess, McTominay's deep runs and physical dominance. The absence of a true number 9 demands creative goalscoring from multiple sources. Defensively, the high line carries risk; centre-back mobility issues occasionally leave gaps despite apparent control.
The Squad
Scotland blend Premier League and European talent. The midfield provides creativity; the forward line compensates for the absence of a traditional striker through movement and positioning. Defensively, they're reasonably organised if vulnerable to transitions.
Key Man
Scott McTominay has undergone remarkable transformation under Antonio Conte at Napoli. Over two years, he's become one Serie A's most prolific midfielders. Beyond goal involvement, McTominay is constantly available, never hides and actively assists teammates. Expect him as a main protagonist in Scotland's first World Cup since 1998.
One to Watch
Ben Doak, a young winger combining explosive dribbling, sharp movement and sharp pressing intensity. Physically slight but compensating through acceleration and agility. He made his senior debut in September 2024 against Poland (Nations League) and scored his first international goal against Greece in November 2025.
Tournament Prospects
With Brazil a short price to win the group and Haiti virtual non-contenders, Scotland will challenge Morocco for second place. The new 48-team format permits multiple third-placed teams' progression, making the minimum target Round of 32 qualification. Thereafter, the draw determines their path, but Scotland will contest every knockout tie with characteristic grit and determination.
World Cup Tips: How to bet Group C
To Reach the Quarter Final - Brazil @ 10/111.91
To reach the quarterfinals is the best Brazil have done in recent times but at the prices seems worth considering for Outright ACCAs.
To Reach the Last 16 - Morocco @ 5/42.25
Managed to reach the semifinal in Qatar, and despite the manager change, a price of odds against here seems fair. Also keep an eye on Bounou for World Cup Golden Glove. He's won goalkeeper-of-the-tournament-type awards in three of his last four major international tournaments.
To Qualify from Group C - Scotland @ 3/101.30
Although Billy Gilmour's injury it a massive disappointment for the player and Scottish fans alike, there still should be enough quality to ensure their return to the biggest stage in football doesn't end like it did in France 98, bottom of a group containing Brazil and Morocco. Scotland should take advantage of one of the third-placed teams qualifying spots.
Back Brazil to Reach QF, Morocco to Reach Ro16 and Scotland to Qualify from Group C