World Cup 2026 Group C draw: Match schedule and fixtures for Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti

New York – The expanded 48-team World Cup threw up an instant headline-maker on 5 December, as five-time champions Brazil were paired with Morocco, Scotland and debutants Haiti in Group C of the 2026 finals.

Brazil arrive in North America under new leadership after a turbulent South American qualifying cycle that saw the Selecao finish fifth, their lowest position since the competition went to a round-robin format. Italian Carlo Ancelotti, appointed in May 2025, has stabilised the squad and built the attack around 18-year-old Chelsea prodigy Estevao, whose five goals in 11 caps already lead the Ancelotti era. Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior remains the box-office name, while Rodrygo, Raphinha, Gabriel Magalhaes, Eder Militao, Marquinhos and Alisson provide a spine that still dreams of a record-extending sixth title. The lingering question for supporters is whether Neymar, battling fitness issues, will earn a final World Cup bow.

Morocco, fresh from their history-making fourth-place finish in Qatar 2022, enter their third consecutive finals as Africa’s first qualified side after topping CAF Group E with a 5-0 demolition of Niger last September. Coach Walid Regragui’s squad blends continental veterans with Europe-based stars and carries the added motivation of previewing the style that will greet the world when Morocco co-hosts the 2030 tournament. The Atlas Lions have already added a controversial Africa Cup of Nations crown on home soil to their CV and believe the current generation can push beyond the fairytale run of 2022.

Scotland ended a 28-year World Cup exile in the most cinematic fashion imaginable, overturning Denmark 4-2 in November thanks to two stoppage-time goals, the last a Kenny McLean chip from the halfway line. Steve Clarke, now the nation’s longest-serving and most successful manager, will attempt to steer the Tartan Army past the group stage for the first time in 11 major-tournament appearances. Scott McTominay, John McGinn and captain Andy Robertson headline a pragmatic squad that has also introduced teenagers such as Ben Gannon-Doak.

Haiti, ranked second-lowest among confirmed qualifiers, make only their second World Cup appearance and first since 1974. Political instability has forced the French-speaking nation to stage home fixtures in Curacao, and French-born coach Sebastien Migne—who has never visited Haiti—will rely on a roster heavy on diaspora talent simply looking to savour the global spotlight.

Tournament structure dictates that the Group C winner enters the bottom half of the Round-of-32 bracket against the runner-up from Group F, while the second-place side faces the Group F winner on the top half. A third-place finish could still offer passage to the knockout phase as one of eight best third-placed teams, with opponents determined once all pools conclude.

Full Group C schedule (subject to FIFA confirmation, all times local)

Matchday 1 Brazil v Haiti – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford Morocco v Scotland – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

Matchday 2 Brazil v Morocco – Rose Bowl, Pasadena Scotland v Haiti – BC Place, Vancouver

Matchday 3 Scotland v Brazil – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta Haiti v Morocco – Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

DraftKings odds installed Brazil as heavy favourites to win the group, with Morocco and Scotland expected to duel for second. Haiti are long-shots to collect a point, but in a 48-team event ripe for shocks, the Caribbean side have nothing to lose and a continent behind them.

With 104 matches spread across 16 cities, Group C offers an immediate litmus test for three football cultures chasing contrasting ambitions—and one fairytale looking to extend beyond the opening chapter.