World Cup Preview: Group C
As we get set to welcome the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we're previewing each of the tournament's twelve groups through the Ligue 1 McDonald's lens, continuing with Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland.
Brazil
FIFA Ranking: 6
Current Ligue 1 McDonald's players:
Brazil will be heading to America with the experienced Marquinhos once more, this time as a double UEFA Champions League-winning captain with Paris Saint-Germain. Endrick may be returning to his parent club Real Madrid following his loan spell with Lyon, but is one of the brightest young players expected to really burst onto the World Cup stage this summer.
Tournament outlook:
Brazil perennially head into the World Cup with the huge weight of history of their shoulders, and expectations under the experienced former PSG manager Carlo Ancelotti are no different this time around.
Ligue 1 legend: Juninho – Olympique Lyonnais
When it comes to Brazilian players in Ligue 1 McDonald's, there is no shortage of candidates. Ronaldinho dazzled at Paris Saint-Germain, while Thiago Silva captained the capital club during one of the most successful periods in its history. Yet Juninho Pernambucano stands above them all. Arriving at Olympique Lyonnais in 2001, the midfielder became the beating heart of the side that won seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles, helping transform Lyon into the dominant force in French football. Renowned for his extraordinary free-kick ability, leadership and technical excellence, Juninho made more than 300 appearances for Les Gones and remains one of the greatest foreign players in Ligue 1 history.
Morocco
FIFA Ranking: 7
Current Ligue 1 McDonald's players:
The Atlas Lions are full of familiar faces in Ligue 1 both past and present. PSG's Achraf Hakimi will captain his side once again at a major international tournament, as Marseile's Nayef Aguerd is racing back from injury to be in the United States. There will be two Strasbourg youngsters involved as Gessime Yassine and Samir El Mourabet make the squad, alongside LOSC Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Familiar former Ligue 1 talents such as Neil El Aynaoui and Azzedine Ounahi are also present.
Tournament outlook:
Semi-finalists in Qatar four years ago, Morocco arrive in North America with expectations rather than hope. The Atlas Lions backed up that historic World Cup run by reaching the Africa Cup of Nations final. On paper, at least, they go into the tournament as Champions of Africa.
Whilst Brazil are favourites to top Group C, Morocco will be confident of securing second place and reaching the knockout stages once again. Under new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi (who guided Morocco's U20 side to World Cup glory last year) there is a sense that this golden generation may still have another deep tournament run left in it.
Ligue 1 legend: Marouane Chamakh – Girondins de Bordeaux
A generation before Morocco's run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, Marouane Chamakh was flying the flag for the Atlas Lions in Ligue 1 McDonald's. A product of Bordeaux's academy, the striker spent nearly a decade with Les Girondins, scoring more than 75 goals and helping the club win the Ligue 1 title in 2008-09 under Laurent Blanc. Combining aerial prowess with intelligent movement and tireless work off the ball, Chamakh became one of the most respected forwards in France before earning a move to the Premier League. His longevity, success and connection to one of Bordeaux's greatest modern sides make him Morocco's standout Ligue 1 figure.
Haiti
FIFA Ranking: 83
Current Ligue 1 McDonald's players:
Haiti may be making their first World Cup appearance since 1974, but they do so with several players familiar to French football supporters. Veteran goalkeeper Johny Placide continues to represent SC Bastia, whilst AJ Auxerre winger Josué Casimir offers pace and creativity in the final third. He'll be joined by Angers defender Carlens Arcus.
Former FC Nantes defender Jean-Kévin Duverne remains an important leader within the squad, whilst former AS Monaco striker Wilson Isidor is expected to provide much of Haiti's attacking threat. Sochaux goalkeeper Alexandre Pierre and AS Nancy Lorraine defender Martin Expérience further strengthen the French connection.
Tournament outlook:
Haiti's qualification for the World Cup is one of the stories of the tournament. Forced to play all of their home qualifiers away from home due to the ongoing security situation in the country, the Grenadiers defied the odds to secure their first appearance on football's biggest stage in more than half a century. French coach Sébastien Migné has built a disciplined and organised side capable of frustrating opponents and striking quickly on the counter-attack. Progression from a group containing Brazil, Morocco and Scotland would be a remarkable achievement, but Haiti have already proven they should not be underestimated.
Scotland
FIFA Ranking: 42
Current Ligue 1 McDonald’s players:
Unlike previous tournaments, Scotland arrive at the World Cup without any current representatives in Ligue 1 McDonald's. However, there are still strong French football links within Steve Clarke's squad. The experienced Scotland manager will instead rely heavily on players plying their trade in the Premier League, Serie A and Scottish Premiership as the Tartan Army prepare for their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
Tournament outlook:
Scotland ended a 28-year wait for a World Cup appearance with a dramatic play-off victory over Denmark and now head to North America determined to make history. Steve Clarke has transformed the national team during his seven years in charge, guiding them to three major tournaments in four attempts. Whilst Brazil and Morocco will present stern challenges, Scotland will view their opening match against Haiti as pivotal. Victory there would give the Scots a genuine opportunity to reach the knockout stages for the first time ever, whilst the experience of players such as Scott McTominay, Andy Robertson and John McGinn could prove invaluable.
Ligue 1 legend: Joe Jordan – AS Saint-Étienne
Few Scottish players have enjoyed as much success in France as Joe Jordan. Joining AS Saint-Étienne in 1979 after establishing himself as one of Britain's leading forwards, Jordan became a key figure for Les Verts during a successful period that included the 1981 Ligue 1 title. Nicknamed "Jaws" due to his distinctive appearance, the striker was admired for his physicality, a proud sense of leadership and eye for goal. While more recent Scots such as John Collins and Alan McInally also left their mark in France, Jordan's role in helping Saint-Étienne secure their tenth French championship ensures his place among the greatest Scottish exports to Ligue 1.
READ MORE:
