Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup features five-time champions Brazil alongside Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti in what should be a straightforward procession for the Seleção.

Yet, I expect plenty of drama for the remaining knockout spot.

With Brazil's opening match against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on June 13 (8:00 AM AEST on Saturday, June 14 in Australia), here are my predictions, key tips, and tactical insights for a group where one team dominates on paper while three others scrap for survival.

Group C Predictions: Who Advances?

Predicted Final Standings:

1. Brazil (7-9 points) - Cruise through as group winners

2. Morocco (5-6 points) - Experience edges Scotland for second

3. Scotland (3-4 points) - Third place, agonizingly close

4. Haiti (0-1 points) - Outclassed but proud

Brazil's quality throughout the squad makes them overwhelming favourites to top Group C without breaking a sweat so, here, the real battle centres on who joins them in the Round of 16.

Morocco's 2022 World Cup semifinal run demonstrated they're no minnows, and their experience at the highest level should prove decisive against European opposition Scotland and CONCACAF representatives Haiti.

Scotland returns to the World Cup after 28 years away, but their history of group stage exits (eight tournaments, zero progressions) casts an ominous shadow.

Haiti makes just their second-ever World Cup appearance and, let's be open about that: they face a mountain that is probably too steep to climb.

Group C Match-by-Match Tips and Predictions

Brazil vs Morocco (Matchday 1)

Prediction: Brazil 2-1 Morocco

Top Tips:

• Morocco keeps it competitive - 2022 semifinalists won't roll over easily
• Both teams to score likely - Morocco's counter-attack threatens anyone
• Brazil wins without dominating - Closer than the scoreline suggests

Think about this: These teams met in the 1998 World Cup group stage, with Brazil winning 3-0. But that Morocco side was vastly inferior to the current generation that reached the 2022 semifinals.

The Brazil v Morocco betting odds are clear and, to me, they show that Brazil's attacking firepower should eventually tell, but I don't think anyone should expect a thrashing.

Morocco's defensive organisation, honed through their remarkable 2022 run, will frustrate the Seleção for long periods.

Haiti vs Scotland (Matchday 1)

Prediction: Scotland 2-0 Haiti

Top Tips:

• Scotland must win - Anything less puts knockout hopes in jeopardy
• Haiti struggles to create - Significant quality gap shows immediately
• Under 3.5 goals solid value - Scotland will be professional rather than spectacular

Making their first World Cup appearance since 1974, Haiti arrives as clear underdogs facing a Scotland side desperate to finally progress from a group stage after eight failed attempts.

Scotland's Premier League and European-based players should dominate possession and create numerous chances. Sure, Haiti will defend deep and work incredibly hard, but I think the gulf in class will prove too wide here.

Scotland needs this victory to have any chance of advancing, and they should deliver comfortably. For all the 76 betting markets available on this match, check out our page dedicated to Haiti v Scotland.

Scotland vs Morocco (Matchday 2)

Prediction: Morocco 1-1 Scotland

Top Tips:

• Crucial group decider - Winner likely advances with Brazil
• Low-scoring tactical battle - Both teams prioritise not losing
• Draw helps Morocco more - Leaves them in pole position for second place

If everything goes according to plans, this is going to be the match that will define Group C's final standings.

Morocco and Scotland meet in Foxborough knowing that victory virtually guarantees progression alongside Brazil.

What can make a true difference here? To me, this must be Morocco's superior tournament experience and defensive solidity - as it gives them the edge in a tight encounter.

A draw will keep Morocco ahead of Scotland heading into the final matchday, so it seems like a likely outcome.

Brazil vs Haiti (Matchday 2)

Prediction: Brazil 4-0 Haiti

Top Tips:

• Brazil runs riot - Seleção's attacking stars finally click
• Haiti overwhelmed - Two matches in, fatigue and quality gap shows
• Over 3.5 goals strong value - Brazil pad goal difference

Brazil and Haiti last met in 2016's Copa América Centenario, with the Seleção winning 7-1 - and I somehow expect something similar here.

Brazil, likely already qualified, uses this match to fine-tune their attack and boost goal difference.

The South Americans will control possession completely and create chance after chance. By halftime, the contest will effectively be over, with Brazil's bench getting valuable minutes in the second half.

The high score comes also from the fact I expect Carlo Ancelotti to use the second half to rotate the team, bringing in some youngsters that will do everything they can to have their 45 minutes of fame and turn this match into a multi-million contract for the next season.

Scotland vs Brazil (Matchday 3)

Prediction: Brazil 2-0 Scotland

Top Tips:

• Brazil too strong - Even rotating players, quality shines through
• Scotland's hopes dashed - Historic group stage curse continues
• Respectful scoreline - Brazil coasts without humiliating Scotland

These teams have met four times at World Cups, all in the group stage, with Brazil winning three and drawing once.

Scotland will arrive at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami needing a miracle result, but Brazil's depth means even a rotated side contains world-class talent.

The Seleção will manage the match professionally, doing enough to win without expending unnecessary energy before the knockout stages.

Morocco vs Haiti (Matchday 3)

Prediction: Morocco 2-0 Haiti

Top Tips:

• Dead rubber for Haiti - Already eliminated before kickoff
• Morocco secures second - Professional performance confirms progression
• Low intensity affair - Neither team with significant motivation

By this stage, Morocco will likely need just a point to guarantee second place behind Brazil, while Haiti exits winless but with heads held relatively high after competing against vastly superior opposition.

A comfortable victory in Atlanta confirms their place in the Round of 32, where they'll look to replicate their magical 2022 run.

Key Players Who Will Decide Group C

Vinícius Júnior (Brazil): The Real Madrid superstar enters this World Cup as one of the world's best players - especially as his pace, dribbling, and clinical finishing make him unplayable on his day.

Scotland and Morocco will dedicate entire tactical plans to stopping him, but individual brilliance often trumps collective organisation.

If Vinícius hits top form, Brazil could go deep in this tournament. If you're looking at who will lead Brazil in goals at the World Cup, he's a strong contender alongside Endrick.

Hakim Ziyech (Morocco): The Wydad Casablanca playmaker (when fit and motivated) remains Morocco's creative hub despite his club struggles.

His delivery from set-pieces and ability to unlock defences with through balls gives Morocco their primary attacking threat.

The match against Scotland could hinge entirely on whether Ziyech produces his best performance. At 33, this might be his final World Cup, providing extra motivation.

Achraf Hakimi (Morocco): The PSG right-back is Morocco's most valuable player and one of the world's elite defenders.

His pace allows Morocco to defend deep knowing he can recover dangerous situations, while his attacking runs create overloads that stretch opponents. Scotland will target the opposite flank to avoid him, which tells you everything about his dominance.

Scott McTominay (Scotland): The Napoli midfielder has transformed from Manchester United squad player to Scotland's most important outfield performer.

His goals from midfield give Scotland a genuine goal threat beyond their strikers, while his physicality and work rate anchor their midfield. If Scotland somehow advances, McTominay will have been central to that achievement.

For a broader look at how Group C compares to the rest of the draw, check out our guide to World Cup groups ranked from easiest to hardest.

Ready to back your predictions? Head to our World Cup betting hub for the latest odds on all Group C fixtures and outrights.