It’s different kinds of familiar feelings for the Group C teams.
It’s time to look at Group C now, which includes Brazil, Morocco, second-timers Haiti, and returners Scotland. Notably, Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland were all in the same group back in 1998.
Brazil
The manager
Carlo Ancelotti. That still feels weird to read. His accolades in club football make him one of, if not the, greatest managers of all time. But international management is brand new territory for the Italian who has the pressure of any Brazil coach on his shoulders. It can’t be any worse than Real Madrid’s fanbase, surely…
Last World Cup
Brazil got as far as the Quarter Finals before losing on penalties to Croatia.
Who’s getting the goals
It’s Brazil—anyone could score. Neymar is 34 now and despite all that talent, has yet to really show it off at the World Cup, much to the chagrin of fans. Viní Jr. will be up there too alongside the likes of Matheus Cunha, who’s had a great season for Manchester United, Raphinha, Endrick, and Igor Thiago. Seriously, if any player has a sniff at goal, they could score.
If they were a video game, they would be…
FIFA. It’s ubiquitous, or at least it has been. Set to make a comeback after some time away from the limelight, we’re hoping for something vibrant and new rather than fading into the background like its predecessors.
Morocco
The manager
Mohamed Ouahbi. Born in Belgium to Moroccan parents, he only became coach 97 days ago after Walid Regragui resigned. Ouahbi has worked mainly with youth teams, both for Anderlecht and Morocco so if anyone can get the most out of the younger members in the squad (of which there are 8 under 24), he can.
Last World Cup
Two words: semi finals. It was the run of the tournament, after wins against Belgium and Canada in the group stage, Spain in the round of 16 on penalties, and their famous 1–0 win against Portugal in the quarter finals. France ended their fairy tale run but they went for it with every match.
Who’s getting the goals
The Atlas Lions will be looking to Ayoub El Kaabi, Brahim Díaz, and Soufiane Rahimi to get them back into the knockout stages. El Kaabi has a goal every other game for Morocco while Díaz will want to shake off the missed panenka in the AFCON final which Morocco won in the end after that, erm, default which is still being disputed. Meanwhile, Rahimi’s 14 in 23 for Al Ain could translate into form for his country with the right service.
If they were a video game, they would be…
Pokémon Conquest. At first glance, you’re not sure about what to expect but then suddenly you’re hooked and you’ve gotten surprisingly far and it all just seems to work. Okay I’m clutching at straws with this one but it kinda works if you’ve played the game.
Haiti
The manager
Sébastien Migné. If accolades and managerial roles was a spectrum, Ancelotti would be at one end and Migné at the other. But none of that matters when it comes to an international competition and Haiti are here and ready to represent themselves and the Caribbean under his stewardship.
Last World Cup
We have to go all the way back to 1974 for that one. They found themselves in a group with 1970 finalists Italy, Poland (who would go on to finish 3rd), and Argentina, who were pre-tournament favourites and naturally finished last.
Who’s getting the goals
It likely won’t shower down with goals from Haiti but if it does/did, you’d expect them to come from a few places such as Frantzdy Pierrot and Duckens Nazon. Ferencváros’s Lenny Joseph said it was a dream to play in the World Cup so that could be the inspiration necessary for a late equaliser. Wilson Isidor’s 2 goals in the warm up friendlies also shows promising signs that Haiti aren’t here to make up the numbers.
If they were a video game, they would be…
Final Fantasy VIII. Both have an undeservedly negative reputation that you can see through if you take the time to learn what they’re all about and enjoy the experience.
Scotland
The manager
Steve Clarke. He’s one of the longest-serving managers at the tournament, having joined in 2019 and he’s already taken Scotland to Euro 2020, Euro 2024 and now the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Last World Cup
That’ll be 1998 and like I said earlier, it’s deja vu as they’re in a group with Brazil and Morocco again. They didn’t make it out of the group stage that time so maybe there’s hope this time around, especially with the best third-place qualification thing.
Who’s getting the goals
Ché Adams and Scott McTominay will want to translate their Serie A form into goals and wins in the US this summer, grabbing 22 goals between them last season. John McGinn is 10 goals off the all-time Scotland record. I’m not expecting that many here but that’s added incentive, right?
If they were a video game, they would be…
Bubsy. Never quite lived up to its potential and then after a long hiatus, they’re back and people are warming to the idea of them back on the main stage.