World Cup 2026, Group C, Brazil's belief v the others' dream 🇧🇷🇲🇦🏴🇭🇹 | OneFootball

Group C of the 2026 World Cup promises to be a true roller coaster of emotions, blending “jogo bonito,” the African breakthrough, and the long-awaited return of two historic absentees. With North American venues ready for the show, excitement and surprises are guaranteed on every matchday.

Which players should you keep an eye on?

🇧🇷 Vinícius Júnior. The Real Madrid winger takes on the attacking leadership of the five-time world champion as Brazil chases its sixth star under Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical guidance.

🇲🇦 Achraf Hakimi. The PSG full-back is the leader of the Atlas Lions. His physicality and deadly attacking runs down the right flank will be key to repeating the historic feat of the last edition.

🏴 Scott McTominay. He is the soul of the team; his late runs from deep, grit, and eye for goal in the qualifiers showed that he can carry his country’s hopes.

🇭🇹 Wilson Isidor. The Sunderland striker, who recently switched his international allegiance, brings the power and European scoring instinct needed for the “Grenadiers” to dream of causing a major upset..

Which absences stand out the most?

While Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland arrive with full squads and no notable absences, Brazil’s injury list has become a real headache for Carlo Ancelotti.

The five-time champion will be without key Real Madrid players such as Rodrygo Goes (torn anterior cruciate ligament) and Éder Militão (muscle injury to the left hamstring), both sidelined by serious knee and muscle injuries. They are joined by young star Estêvão, who is out with a torn hamstring tendon. As if that were not enough, striker João Pedro will also miss the North American tournament after being left out of the final squad in a surprise technical decision.

Which match can’t I miss?

The standout clash is Brazil vs. Morocco at the imposing stadium in New York/New Jersey. This showdown will pit the magic and pressure of the ‘Canarinha’ against Morocco’s solid and intense defensive structure—a high-voltage clash of styles.

Who are the favorites to go through?

Brazil and Morocco start as the clear favorites to advance to the knockout stage thanks to the quality and stature of their squads, leaving Scotland and Haiti with the tough task of fighting to qualify among the best third-placed teams.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 Rich Storry - 2026 Getty Images