Brazil arrive with the hopes of a nation desperate to end a 24-year wait for a sixth world title.

Morocco return determined to prove their remarkable run to the semi-finals in Qatar was no one-off, while Scotland are back on football's biggest stage for the first time since 1998.

Haiti, meanwhile, completed one of the tournament's most remarkable stories by overcoming extraordinary circumstances to qualify for only their second World Cup.

On paper, Brazil and Morocco have the strongest squads and should lead the group. Yet Scotland's resurgence under Steve Clarke and the expanded tournament format mean the battle for qualification remains intriguing. Haiti enter as outsiders, but their resilience has already carried them further than many expected. 

Few nations possess the same aura as Brazil. Five-time world champions and the only country to have appeared at every World Cup, they arrive in North America seeking to restore their status as football's dominant force. 

The five-time winners have fallen in the quarterfinals since collecting the title in 2002, each time to a European opponent. The sole exception came in 2014 when they reached the semifinals on home soil but were crushed by Germany, 7-1, in a game noted for the tears and astonished expressions of the home supporters.

Yet the team is entering the tournament amid questions rather than certainty.

Their qualification campaign was turbulent, producing historic lows and exposing vulnerabilities rarely associated with the Seleção. The appointment of Carlo Ancelotti, the first foreign manager to lead Brazil at a World Cup, represents both a bold departure and an attempt to bring stability to a talented but inconsistent squad.

Despite the concerns, the squad remains packed with elite-level quality. Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Neymar, Casemiro, Marquinhos and Alisson provide a spine capable of challenging anyone.

Brazil started strongly in South American qualifying after winning three of their first four games. However, these victories came against nations they were expected to beat quite comfortably.

Their qualifying campaign quickly derailed after that as they won just one of their next five games in a run that included a devastating 4-1 defeat against Argentina.

The Brazil FA was forced to part ways with head coach Dorival Junior at the end of March due to the manner of that defeat and the risk of not qualifying, and in May, they appointed former AC Milan and Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti as his successor. Ancelotti restored stability and guided Brazil to qualification.

Brazil's greatest strength remains individual quality in attacking areas. Few teams can match their ability to produce moments of brilliance. Ancelotti's experience in tournament football also offers a significant advantage.

However, their qualifying struggles revealed issues with chance creation and defensive organisation. However, the current Brazil team no longer intimidates opponents in the manner previous generations did, and consistency remains a concern.

This tournament feels destined to be Neymar's final World Cup. Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals has long faced the pressure of delivering the nation's sixth title but has never managed to complete the journey. If properly fit, his creativity and leadership could define Brazil's campaign.

Prediction: First

Brazil should possess too much quality for their group rivals. The real test will come in the knockout rounds, but they remain favourites to top Group C.

They struggled to score goals throughout the qualifying phase, and a fifth-place finish to secure a place in the World Cup was poles apart from Brazilian teams of the past. They have quality in key places, and if their superstars Raphinha and Vini Jr. can finally step up for their country, Brazil possess the ability to go even further than many think.

Morocco no longer arrive at major tournaments as surprise packages. Their historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals followed a stunning victory over one of the tournament's favourites, Portugal, in the quarter-finals.

Their performances have transformed perceptions of African football, and their subsequent AFCON triumph reinforced their status as one of the game's emerging powers.

This is a balanced, tactically disciplined side capable of frustrating elite opponents while carrying genuine attacking threat. Their opening fixture against Brazil could determine who tops the group.

Morocco will compete in its third World Cup in a row and seventh overall, having qualified in 1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018, and 2022.

Morocco had an untroubled path to the championships after topping Group E in African qualifying and became the first African team to book a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

After winning the first six group games, Morocco defeated Niger 5-0 on matchday seven to secure their World Cup spot. Morocco would finish World Cup qualifying with eight victories, netting 22 goals and conceding only two.

Organisation remains Morocco's defining strength. They defend collectively, transition quickly and possess match-winners across the pitch. Their squad also benefits from extensive experience in European football.

The challenge may come when facing opponents who force them to dominate possession. Morocco often perform best when they can defend compactly and counterattack.

Hakimi is arguably the best right-back in world football and is far more than just a defender. His pace, energy and attacking output make him central to everything Morocco do. Few players influence matches from wide areas as consistently as he does.

Recently he was crucial in the UCL final against Arsenal this season, where he played all 120 minutes and scored a penalty as well.

Prediction: Second

The Moroccan squad has enough quality and tournament know-how to advance comfortably. They should edge Scotland in the race for second place and could even challenge Brazil for top spot. 

They achieved a historical feat as the first African and Arab nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals in 2022 and will want to display a stellar performance ahead of the 2030 World Cup, which they will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

After a 28-year absence, Scotland return to the World Cup with genuine optimism. Steve Clarke has built a disciplined, competitive side that can trouble stronger opponents and, crucially, defeat teams they should beat.

Scotland have appeared in eight World Cups in their history (1954, 1958, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990 and 1998), but they have never made it past the group stages.

The expanded format significantly improves their chances of reaching the knockout stage for the first time. Scotland's opening match against Haiti could prove pivotal.

Scotland held pre-group favourites Denmark in their opening qualifier. They followed it up by winning their next three matches before a stunning 3-2 loss in Greece on matchday five.

Impressively, though, that would be Scotland's last setback in qualifying, as they rallied back to beat rivals Denmark in a crucial group final at Hampden Park to clinch their spot at the World Cup and end 28 years of agony.

This is a well-drilled team with strong leadership and a midfield capable of competing physically against almost anyone. Their collective spirit has become a hallmark under Clarke.

The concern is whether they possess enough attacking quality against elite opposition. They may struggle to create chances against the defensive organisation of Brazil and Morocco.

McTominay has evolved into Scotland's talisman. His ability to arrive late in the box, contribute goals and drive games from midfield makes him indispensable.

A highly energetic and dynamic box-to-box midfielder, he has thrived under the coaching of Steve Clarke. His overhead kick against Denmark in the play-off proved exactly how crucial he is for his side, and after another good season in Serie A, he should be eager to perform to the best of his abilities in the World Cup. 

Group Position: Third

Scotland should defeat Haiti and remain competitive throughout the group. A third-place finish could still be enough to reach the knockout stages under the expanded format.

No team in Group C arrives with a more inspiring story. Haiti's return to the World Cup after 52 years for their second-ever appearance is remarkable enough. The circumstances surrounding their qualification further elevate the situation.

They have already overcome immense obstacles, having been forced to play home matches outside their country due to political instability and managed remotely by Sébastien Migné via telephone and video for much of the qualification campaign.

Haiti emerged from a challenging qualifying group featuring Costa Rica and Honduras. Their qualification was secured through resilience, organisation and belief rather than star power.

Team spirit is Haiti's greatest asset. They have repeatedly demonstrated an ability to rise above adversity and remain difficult to break down.

However, the quality gap between Haiti and their Group C rivals is substantial. Sustaining competitiveness across three matches will be a significant challenge.

Duckens Nazon is Haiti's record goalscorer with 44 goals in 76 appearances and remains their most reliable source of attacking inspiration. His experience and finishing ability will be crucial if they are to pull off an upset. Having played for Scottish side St Mirren in 2019, he will relish facing the nation he once called home.

Prediction: Fourth

Simply reaching the tournament represents a major achievement. Haiti may struggle against the superior quality of Brazil, Morocco and Scotland, but their presence is one of the World Cup's remarkable stories.

1.      Brazil

2.     Morocco

3.     Scotland

4.     Haiti

Group C appears likely to follow a clear hierarchy, with Brazil and Morocco possessing the depth, experience and quality to progress automatically. Scotland are well placed to challenge for a knockout-round berth through the third-place route, while Haiti will hope to write another memorable chapter in an already extraordinary journey.

The headline act, however, remains Brazil. Under Carlo Ancelotti and with Neymar potentially making his final World Cup appearance, the Seleção arrive carrying familiar expectations. Whether they can finally turn promise into a sixth world title may become one of the defining stories of the World Cup 2026.