Players to Watch: World Cup Group C | OneFootball

World Cup Group C consists of Brazil, Haiti, Morocco and Scotland in what is one of the most interesting groups in the competition this summer. Brazil will be the favourites to win the group, of course, yet Carlo Ancelotti’s men haven’t exactly set the world alight in recent months.

As such, can Scotland or Morocco take advantage?

The Scots will be hoping to make it out of the group stages for the first time at the ninth attempt. Morocco reached the semi-finals last time out, yet they enter this tournament with a new manager.

And what about Haiti? This is only their second World Cup and first since 1974. Can they cause an upset?

Ahead of the tournament, here are five players to keep an eye on who could make the biggest impact for their respective nations.

Vinícius Jr. (Brazil)

When Vinícius Jr. is at his best, there are very few players in the world better than the Real Madrid forward. Brazil’s squad will be fairly top-heavy this summer, and Ancelotti must hope Vini Jr. is in the mood to give the nation a chance of winning a sixth World Cup.

The 25-year-old doesn’t quite have the best of records at international level, however, scoring only eight goals in 48 appearances for The Selecão. He scored against South Korea at the last World Cup and will bring plenty of quality to the Brazil frontline.

Scott McTominay (Scotland)

If you haven’t seen Scott McTominay’s goal against Denmark (where have you been?), go and watch it. The opening goal in that stunning 4-2 victory over the Danes helped Scotland qualify for their first World Cup since 1998.

McTominay has shone under Steve Clarke. 62 of his 69 caps have come under the current manager, with the Napoli midfielder scoring 14 goals in that time.

He scored seven goals in eight Euro 2024 qualifiers, including a brace against Spain, while the 25-year-old netted against Switzerland at the tournament proper.

The former Man United midfielder will be Scotland’s talisman in North America, no doubt about that.

Ilias Akhomach (Morocco)

Morocco will take a strong squad to North America as they bid to replicate their impressive semi-final run from 2022.

One player who could be exciting to watch is winger Ilias Akhomach. The 22-year-old has 13 caps to his name and was part of the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.

Akhomach has registered five goal contributions for Villarreal and Rayo Vallecano this term, including in the Champions League and Conference League.

He will cause plenty of trouble for opposition defenders this summer, especially off the bench in the latter stages of matches.

Wilson Isidor (Haïti)

Wilson Isidor has represented France at youth level, but the Sunderland forward switched allegiances in March ahead of the international friendlies.

It could prove to be an inspired decision for both player and nation, as he scored against Iceland in the 1-1 draw on just his second appearance.

Add this to the fact that he has scored six goals in the Premier League for the Black Cats, and Isidor will give Haiti a solid attacking threat across the three group games.

Brahim Diaz (Morocco)

While Akhomach has the potential to be a breakout star this summer, Morocco will be counting on Braham Diaz to be their main man in North America.

The Real Madrid man scored five times at the Africa Cup of Nations, finishing as the top scorer of the tournament. Despite starting only 17 times for Los Blancos this season, the winger has registered ten goal contributions.

This will be his maiden World Cup, but if Diaz can replicate his performances from AFCON in North America this summer (excluding his horrific penalty kick miss in the final), he could make the difference for Morocco.