Brazil in Group C of the 2026 World Cup: facing challenges from Morocco and Scotland.
The Selecao are in the same group as Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. Under Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil are hoping for a 4-2-3-1 formation centered around Vinicius Jr. Morocco will be a big test.
Morocco and Scotland are two crucial tests for Brazil in Group C of the 2026 World Cup. The draw pitted the Selecao against Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland—a group reminiscent of 1998, and raising questions about tactical adjustments for Carlo Ancelotti's era.
Ancelotti and the stability problem
After Tite left, Brazil went through a period of instability with interim coaches before Carlo Ancelotti officially took over. This delay created a chaotic situation that Ancelotti had to handle with his proven experience in managing the dressing room.
New signs emerged in the first eight matches. Casemiro's return brought experience and stability to the midfield. Structurally, the 4-2-3-1 formation was the expected against weaker opponents—optimizing their abundant attacking resources. The question remains how Brazil will strengthen their midfield when facing stronger opponents.
Vinicius Jr. is the pivot of the attack.
At club level, Vinicius Jr. has been explosive; at the national team, he has only briefly shone. Ancelotti—who knows his pupil well—has the best chance to bring Vinicius closer to peak form for the 2026 World Cup. If that happens, Brazil will have a new lease of life in all three lines of attack in their 4-2-3-1 formation.
Morocco: the biggest test
Morocco is Brazil's first opponent—and the toughest challenge in the group. The African side reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, boasting a 15-match winning streak in the qualifiers and conceding only two goals. They organize a tight defensive block when out of possession, while also increasing their firepower with the presence of Brahim Diaz.
Against Morocco, Brazil's challenge lies in midfield: having enough players to control possession while also preventing the flanks from being exposed to the attacking runs of Achraf Hakimi and Youssef Belammari. This will be a direct test of the versatility of the 4-2-3-1 formation.
Scotland: a tough opponent in the final round.
Scotland returned to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 after a dramatic victory over Denmark. Under manager Steve Clarke, they are a cohesive team aiming to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in their eight World Cup appearances.
Scott McTominay has been pushed into a more attacking role, utilizing his physicality and finishing ability to become one of Scotland's top 10 goalscorers in history. Brazil cannot afford to be complacent given the tight match scenario and the potential for individual brilliance.
Haiti: a must-win match
Haiti, considered the underdog in the group, surprised everyone in the Concacaf qualifiers by finishing above Costa Rica and Honduras. Under coach Sebastien Migne, they favor a defensive style of play, waiting for opportunities to counter-attack and change the game. Goalkeeper Johny Placide—with his crucial clean sheets—is the cornerstone that allows Haiti to control the game. For Brazil, this is a must-win 90 minutes to consolidate their leading position.
Summary of opponents in Group C
| Competitor | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Oregon | 15 consecutive wins in the qualifiers; conceded 2 goals; World Cup 2022 semi-final; increased firepower with Brahim Diaz; dangerous on the flanks with Achraf Hakimi and Youssef Belammari |
| Scotland | Returning to the World Cup after 1998; a disciplined team under manager Steve Clarke; Scott McTominay explodes in an attacking role. |
| Haiti | Having beaten Costa Rica and Honduras in the Concacaf qualifiers, coach Sebastien Migne prioritizes a low defensive block and counter-attacks; goalkeeper Johny Placide is key. |
Brazil's prospects of advancing
Brazil had an inconsistent qualifying campaign, but remain a title contender, as Ronaldo predicted. Returning to the tournament held in North America—where they triumphed in 1994—is a morale boost. In Group C, Brazil is expected to finish first, or at least second; the match against Morocco will determine the course of the group.
Rodrigo Caetano emphasized that the team will begin their preparations in Brazil and play a farewell friendly match. With their individual quality, Ancelotti's 4-2-3-1 formation, and the motivation to regain their former glory, the Selecao have all the elements to advance from Group C and lay the foundation for a deeper run in the tournament.
