Brazil capitalized on some critical mistakes from Scotland, winning 3-0 to secure the top spot in Group C of the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday.
Scotland came into the match intent on minimizing potential damage from a loss, knowing that an upset win or draw would be a tall order. This damage control became critical almost immediately when Rayan‘s pressure led to a critical turnover by Scott McKenna deep in Scotland’s half, allowing Vinícius Júnior to net a goal in the seventh minute.
After having his second goal disallowed due to a foul following another costly Scotland defensive error, he scored again in first-half stoppage time, heading in a cross into an open net after yet another turnover in Scotland’s penalty area.
Meanwhile, Morocco also played on Wednesday, entering their match even with Brazil on four points, and managed a 4-2 victory over Haiti. Brazil already had the advantage in goal differential and further extended that edge with their win.
The match in Atlanta featured a flurry of first-half goals, with Haiti briefly taking the lead twice before Morocco equalized on each occasion. The pace slowed significantly thereafter, and Soufiane Rahimi scored the decisive goal in the 78th minute.
Group C Table and Results
Saturday, June 13: Brazil 1, Morocco 1
Saturday, June 13: Scotland 1, Haiti 0
Friday, June 19: Scotland 0, Morocco 1
Friday, June 19: Brazil 3, Haiti 0
Wednesday, June 24: Brazil 3, Scotland 0
Wednesday, June 24: Morocco 4, Haiti 2
|
W |
D |
L |
GD |
GF |
TCS |
Pts. |
||
|
1 |
Brazil |
2 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
7 |
-5 |
7 |
|
2 |
Morocco |
2 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
6 |
-1 |
7 |
|
3 |
Scotland |
1 |
0 |
2 |
-3 |
1 |
-5 |
3 |
|
4 |
Haiti |
0 |
0 |
3 |
-6 |
2 |
-7 |
0 |
Upcoming Matches for Brazil and Morocco in Knockout Round
Brazil is set to begin the knockout stages at NRG Stadium in Houston on June 29, where they will face the second-place team from Group F: either the Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden.
Morocco will travel to Guadalupe, Mexico, on the same day to compete against the winner of Group F. If Morocco emerges victorious, they will advance to a Round of 16 game on July 4 in Houston, while Brazil will play their Round of 16 match on July 5 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Third-Place Team from Group C: Knockout Round Chances
This is where minimizing damage was crucial for Scotland. With three points and a -1 goal differential, Scotland seemed likely to qualify as one of the top eight third-place teams.
However, a -3 goal differential poses a significant challenge. After Bosnia and Herzegovina gained four points through three games, six third-place teams (including Scotland) accumulated at least two points across two games, with three others earning just one point. Should Cape Verde and Belgium manage to tie or win their matches, alongside at least one of the four teams with one point winning, Scotland’s chances for advancement could be jeopardized.
Potential for a World Cup Winner from This Group
While Brazil may still be looking for cohesion in midfield, their potent offensive capabilities make them serious contenders for the tournament title. Players like Víni Jr. are among the most formidable forwards worldwide.
Currently, Brazil is given 10-1 odds, ranking them sixth among all teams in the tournament. This seems justified; although the squad isn’t without flaws, particularly with Raphinha sidelined with a hamstring injury, they remain capable of a deep tournament run.
Additionally, it’s important to recognize Morocco, who finished fourth in the previous World Cup in 2022. While they are unlikely to clinch the World Cup title, a solid performance in the knockout rounds is within the realm of possibility.