World Cup 2026: Brazil and Morocco proceed to knockouts after thrilling Group C finale

As the Group stages come to a close and the next phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup opens up, Group C provided fans with some cinema on Wednesday night, sending Brazil and Morocco through to the knockouts after a chaotic final slate of games. 

World Cup Group C – Matchday 3

Brazil 3 – 0 Scotland

This was always going to be an intense affair. The Tartan Army needed a win to secure a place in the knockouts, while the five-time winners were looking to reassert their dominance. 

Unfortunately for Scotland, that’s what happened. Brazil romped away to a 3-0 win, with the Scots seeming more than happy to try and counter a Brazilian onslaught, which was always going to be tricky. In their defense, they did go out swinging, registering 11 shots and 46% possession, but it wasn’t enough to penetrate the Brazilian backline. Scotland languished throughout the game in a fashion that has haunted them this tournament, and a side as full of flair as Brazil was always going to highlight those flaws.

Vinícious Jr. scored an early brace before Matheus Cunha sealed the deal in the 60th minute. The game also included the fabled return of Neymar Jr., and while he didn’t find his way onto the scoresheet, his presence alone played a huge role in this win.

Scotland is now in uncharted waters. Their World Cup dream isn’t over yet as they will be crossing their fingers that dominoes fall in their favor, enabling them to make it through as one of the highest-ranked third-place teams. 

The criteria this will be based on is as follows (via ESPN):

1. Points
2.  Goal difference
3. Goals scored
4. Team conduct score
5. FIFA world ranking

It’s certainly not the easiest task, given the results we’ve seen already and how competitive this tournament, in particular, has been, and what makes it worse is that it’s now all out of their hands. 

Morocco 4 – 2 Haiti

Wow, just wow. Who would’ve thought that Morocco, of all countries, would not only upset Brazil by sneaking a draw, but then go on to win both of their next fixtures to secure an automatic spot in the knockout phase?!

Morocco has become the darlings of this World Cup, and a 4-2 win over Haiti only cemented that status. Full credit to the Haitians, who found the back of the net twice before bowing out of a run that will long be revered by the nation. 

Haiti took an early lead, sparking a euphoric reaction from the fans, but then a frenzy broke out. Achraf Hakimi responded by giving Morocco the equalizer in the 39th minute, only for Haiti to claw back in front again thanks to Wilson Isidor’s finish. But just as the Haitian fans were starting to believe, Saibari leveled it again just 3 minutes later.

The second half is what separated the two sides. Once fatigue kicked in, the quality off the bench and overall experience/stamina of Morocco played a huge role in scoring two late goals to seal their second group stage win of the tournament.

It’s a sad goodbye for Haiti, who can hang their heads high after scoring two World Cup goals – the first time they’ve ever achieved that, and Isidor’s finish was a thing of beauty. 

But moving forward, it’s Brazil and Morocco who will carry the torches for Group C, while the Scots will have all fingers and toes crossed that they too can join in on the fun.

Day 14, Group C, Round-up:

Group C:

Brazil 7 Points +6 GD

Morocco 7 Points +3 GD

Scotland 3 Points -3 GD

Haiti 0 Points -6 GD

Day 15 at the 2026 World Cup 

Curacao vs. Ivory Coast	Thursday, June 25, 4 pm ET	Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia	FS1, Fox One, Peacock, Telemundo, Universo, TeleXitos
Ecuador vs. Germany	Thursday, June 25, 4 pm ET	MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford	Fox, Fox One, Telemundo, Peacock
Japan vs. Sweden	Thursday, June 25, 7 pm ET	AT&T Stadium, Arlington	FS1, Fox One, Peacock, Telemundo, Universo, Peacock
Tunisia vs. Netherlands	Thursday, June 25, 7 pm ET	GEHA Field, Kansas City	Fox, Fox One, Telemundo, Peacock, TeleXitos
Paraguay vs. Australia	Thursday, June 25, 10 pm ET	Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara	FS1, Fox One, Peacock, Telemundo, Universo, TeleXitos
Turkiye vs. USA	Thursday, June 25, 10 pm ET	SoFi Stadium, Inglewood	Fox, Fox One, Peacock, Telemundo