Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, we go through every group in the expanded 48-country field and examine the teams, highlight the most recent odds, and make predictions.
Brazil is one of the biggest group favorites in the entire tournament and will have the chance to stamp its authority in Group C early, with its opening game coming against Morocco, its top threat. Scotland has the top talent to go with its discipline and fight, and could make things difficult for the favorites. Haiti is one of the World Cup’s long shots, but they have nothing to lose, having earned an unlikely place in the tournament.
No country has won more World Cups than Brazil, but the team enters the 2026 tournament without its usual air of mysticism. In odds at the best World Cup betting sites, they trail the likes of Spain, France, and England. Brazil struggled in the qualifiers until legendary club manager Carlo Ancelotti was brought on board and righted the ship. But drama has continued in the build-up. First, wingers Rodrygo and Estêvão were lost to injury, throwing Ancelotti’s starting lineup into question. Then, Neymar was dramatically picked to return to the squad for the first time since October 2023, at the expense of João Pedro.
If anyone deserves the benefit of the doubt, it’s Ancelotti. But Neymar’s sudden return comes despite fitness concerns, and with Pedro producing a 20-goal season for Chelsea. Ancelotti expects to deploy Neymar more as a striker, likely as a sub, but how will Brazil’s attack now be set up? With the likes of Raphinha, Vinícius Júnior, and 19-year-old Endrick, Brazil still boasts impressive attacking flair. Brazil should easily make it through the group stage and beyond, but whether a sixth World Cup is in the cards remains to be seen.
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Morocco, one of the best stories of the last World Cup, is the main threat to Brazil in Group C. They became the first African team to reach the semi-finals in 2022 and knocked off both Spain and Portugal. Expecting another semi-final run is likely optimistic, but Morocco is set up to again be one of the best teams outside of the big European and South American sides. In qualifying, Morocco was a perfect eight wins in eight games, and only conceded twice.
Mohamed Ouahbi now leads Morocco after Walid Regragui’s departure in March. Regragui created a disciplined and defensively oriented side, but was sometimes criticized for an overly conservative approach. Morocco should continue to rely on its structure and counter-attacking strength. PSG right back Achraf Hakim is Morocco’s standout player, with other notable names including Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz.
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Scotland is making its first World Cup appearance since 1998, and they did so in particularly spectacular fashion. Two extra-time goals snatched a victory away from Denmark to secure Scotland’s place. But Steve Clarke’s side is facing a tough battle to come out of one of the most imposing groups, with Brazil and Morocco hard to see past for the top spots.
This Scotland team won’t try to win with flair or by dominating possession, though they have more individual talent than in years past. Clarke likes to play with structure and restraint, limiting mistakes and playing a physical game. If Scotland needs some magic, former Man United midfielder Scott McTominay should provide it. He’s been rejuvenated at Napoli and will pair with John McGinn in midfield. Liverpool left-back and captain Andy Robertson is another key player for Scotland’s hopes of scoring an upset or two.
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It’s been a long wait for Haiti to make its second World Cup appearance, with its last one coming in 1974. It’s fair to say Haiti are massive underdogs in Group C, even with the expanded format of this year’s World Cup giving them more hope of making the knockout stage. Haiti has already defied expectations, beating out the likes of Costa Rica and Honduras to qualify for the tournament.
Haiti’s attack shouldn’t be dismissed. Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor committed to play for Haiti in March and joins Duckens Nazon, the nation’s top all-time goal scorer, up front. Isidor followed in the footsteps of Jean‐Ricner Bellegarde, as the Wolves midfielder also gave Haiti a big boost by switching international allegiance from France. Whether Haiti will have enough talent and experience to cause a massive upset is the big question.
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All the pressure is on Brazil, but we see the World Cup giants failing to live up to expectations once again. Morocco sits 8th in the FIFA rankings for a reason, and looked strong in AFCON. They should also be more aggressive under Ouahbi. Brazil just doesn’t seem like a team that has the cohesion to ease through the group stage and, despite its talent, lacks goals.
We’re not going totally wild, though. Brazil should finish a comfortable second to Morocco. And maybe the struggles of the group stage will force some changes that could spark a deep run. Joining Morocco and Brazil will be Scotland. The team has a great mix of proven talent and workmanlike perseverance and grit. A win early over Haiti should set Scotland up nicely to progress in third.
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Odds are courtesy of BetMGM and accurate at the time of writing.
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