Group C

Group C has a clear headline act and a genuine threat lurking behind it. Brazil (CONMEBOL) should top the group: even mid-rebuild they carry more attacking talent than anyone else here, and the opener against Morocco is one of the games of the first round. Morocco (CAF) are no ordinary second seed-semi-finalists in 2022, they remain organised, compact and ferocious in transition, and they have the look of a side that can go deep again.

The other two arrive on long-awaited returns. Scotland (UEFA) are at a World Cup for the first time since 1998, and while they will be underdogs, Steve Clarke's side are well-drilled and carry a Premier League spine. Haiti (CONCACAF) reach the finals for the first time since 1974-a remarkable story given the backdrop at home-but they are the rank outsiders and will target moments rather than results.

How to predict it: Brazil and Morocco are the strong picks to advance, and the order between them is the live question-if you fancy Morocco's defensive structure to frustrate Brazil, taking them as group winners is a defensible contrarian call. Scotland are your most realistic third-place flyer; in a group this top-heavy, though, a third-placed team may need points off one of the favourites to climb into the best-eight, so weigh that before leaning on them.

Think you've read it right? Set your Group C order → Or head back to the full tournament guide.