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Are you ready to celebrate like it’s 1998? Scotland’s men’s football team is finally back on the World Cup stage, ending a 28-year absence. The Tartan Army will once again face familiar foes from 1998 – Brazil and Morocco – in the group stage. What a coincidence that is.

Haiti also join the action, making only their second World Cup appearance and their first since 1974. Steve Clarke’s team will open their campaign against the Caribbean nation in Foxborough, a fixture that could determine whether Scotland finally break their long-standing group-stage curse in major tournaments. The stakes could not be higher.

Group C is the only section in this expanded World Cup featuring two top-10 nations – Brazil, the record five-time champions, and Morocco, the reigning African champions and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists. It promises to be one of the most competitive groups in the tournament.

(All times BST)

It has been a long drought for Brazil since their last World Cup triumph in 2002. The Selecao have struggled to replicate their former glory, and with 24 years separating their last two titles, they now risk entering their longest spell without football’s ultimate prize since first lifting the trophy in 1958.

In a bold move, Brazil appointed their first-ever foreign manager, Carlo Ancelotti – one of Europe’s most successful coaches, with five Champions League titles across stints with Real Madrid and AC Milan. Watching Ancelotti’s calm yet commanding presence attempt to steer Brazil through their familiar World Cup drama will be compelling. Adding to the intrigue is Neymar’s shock recall to the squad.

Neymar, now 34, last played for Brazil in October 2023. Despite being the country’s all-time top scorer, he has battled injuries and inconsistent form. His inclusion over younger talents like Joao Pedro epitomises the central question facing the Selecao: do they possess the defensive solidity and midfield depth to go all the way, or will flair and reputation once again overshadow substance?

Squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Ibanez (Al Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Wesley (Roma)

Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo)

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)

Coach: Carlo Ancelotti

Star player: Vinicius Jr. The Real Madrid winger, often seen as Neymar’s successor, flourished under Ancelotti’s guidance. His explosive dribbling and knack for delivering in crucial moments make him Brazil’s key weapon.

Breakout talent: Rayan. The 19-year-old winger has impressed since joining Bournemouth from Vasco da Gama, combining power and precision on the ball. His rise has been rapid, and the World Cup could further elevate his profile.

FIFA ranking: 6

Odds to win the World Cup: 10/1

Morocco made history in 2022 by becoming the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final. However, their preparation for 2026 has been marred by turbulence following the controversial Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal. Former coach Walid Regragui stepped down three months before the tournament, citing the need for “fresh energy.” Morocco were later declared Afcon champions after Senegal were stripped of the title following their walk-off protest.

During Afcon, Morocco’s performances were unconvincing, relying on debatable refereeing decisions to progress. Nevertheless, their defensive resilience, a hallmark of their 2022 run, remains their greatest strength. They are expected to be difficult opponents once again.

Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal), Munir El Kajoui (Berkane), Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (Asfar)

Defenders: Nayef Aguerd (Marseille), Youssef Belammari (Al Ahly), Issa Diop (Fulham), Zakaria El Ouahdi (Genk), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Redouane Halhal (KV Mechelen), Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United), Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace), Anass Salah-Eddine (PSV)

Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat (Real Betis), Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille), Neil El Aynaoui (Roma), Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart), Samir El Mourabet (Strasbourg), Azzedine Ounahi (Girona), Ismael Saibari (PSV)

Forwards: Ayoube Amaimouni (Eintracht Frankfurt), Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid), Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos), Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis), Yassine Gessime (Strasbourg), Soufiane Rahimi (Al-Ain), Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland)

Coach: Mohamed Ouahbi

Star player: Brahim Diaz. The Real Madrid forward missed a Panenka penalty in the Afcon final but still finished as Morocco’s top scorer with five goals. He will be eager to redeem himself on the world stage.

Breakout talent: Ayoub El Kaabi. Known for his acrobatic goals, El Kaabi has built a reputation as Morocco’s overhead-kick specialist. With two bicycle kicks already in Afcon, fans will be hoping for another spectacular strike in the World Cup.

FIFA ranking: 8

Odds to win the World Cup: 50/1

The night Scotland sealed their World Cup qualification will not be forgotten soon. Goals from Scott McTominay, Kieran Tierney, and Kenny McLean in a thrilling 4-2 win over Denmark ensured their return to the grand stage. It was a night of joy and disbelief at Hampden Park.

Now comes the real challenge. Steve Clarke’s leadership has been vindicated by this qualification – Scotland’s third major tournament in six years. However, their record under him at big events stands at zero wins, two draws, and four defeats. Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 both ended in group stage exits.

In this 48-team format, one victory might be enough to progress, and the opening clash against Haiti is their best chance. With Brazil and Morocco to follow, the early hours of June 14 could define Scotland’s campaign.

Scotland’s strengths lie in their experience and team unity, with Scott McTominay and John McGinn leading the charge. Yet, concerns remain – a lack of pace, no consistent goalscorer, and limited game time for their goalkeepers. Veteran Craig Gordon, 43, could become the second-oldest player in World Cup history if he takes the field.

Defenders: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al-Etiffaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Dom Hyam (Wrexham), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic)

Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Finlay Curtis (Kilmarnock), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), Tyler Fletcher (Manchester United), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich), Scott McTominay (Napoli)

Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Charlton), George Hirst (Ipswich), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Ross Stewart (Southampton)

Coach: Steve Clarke

Star player: Scott McTominay. Since moving to Napoli, McTominay has become a Scudetto winner and Ballon d’Or nominee. His late runs into the box and clutch goals could be the difference between progress and elimination.

Breakout talent: Ben Gannon Doak. The Bournemouth winger offers rare pace and directness, though a hamstring injury has limited his game time. His fitness could be key to Scotland’s attacking edge.

FIFA ranking: 43

Odds to win the World Cup: 250/1

Haiti’s story is extraordinary. They qualified for their first World Cup in 52 years without playing a single home match. Their French coach Sebastien Migne has never even visited the country, as gang violence and humanitarian crises have engulfed Port-au-Prince, displacing over 1.5 million people.

Forced to play home qualifiers 500 miles away in Curacao, Haiti defied all odds to beat Nicaragua 2-0 and secure their spot in Group C. Only one player, Woodensky Pierre, is based in Haiti, and he received his US visa just a week ago. While Haitian fans are banned from travelling to the US, the country’s diaspora will be cheering their team passionately.

Goalkeepers: Johnny Placide (Bastia), Alexandre Pierre (Sochaux), Josue Duverger (FC Cosmos Koblenz)

Defenders: Carlens Arcus (Angers), Wilguens Pauguain (Zulte Waregem), Duke Lacroix (Colorado Springs), Martin Experience (Nancy), Jean-Kevin Duverne (KAA Gent), Ricardo Ade (LDU Quito), Hannes Delcroix (Lugano), Keeto Thermoncy (Young Boys Berne)

Midfielders: Leverton Pierre (Vizela), Carl-Fred Sainthe (El Paso Locomotive), Jean-Jacques Danley (Philadelphia Union), Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (Wolves), Pierre Woodenski (Violette), Dominique Simon (Tatran Presov)

Forwards: Louicius Deedson (Dallas), Ruben Providence (Almere City), Josue Casimir (Auxerre), Derrick Etienne (Toronto), Wilson Isidor (Sunderland), Duckens Nazon (Esteghlal), Frantzdy Pierrot (Caykur Rizespor), Yassin Fortune (Vizela), Lenny Joseph (Ferencvaros)

Coach: Sebastien Migne

Star player: Duckens Nazon. The captain and all-time top scorer netted six goals in qualifying and remains Haiti’s main attacking threat.

Breakout talent: Wilson Isidor. The French-born forward, now representing Haiti, enjoyed an impressive season with Sunderland and could be one to watch.

FIFA ranking: 83

Odds to win the World Cup: 5000/1

Prediction: Scotland are tipped to finish third behind Brazil and Morocco, with a likely three points from a victory over Haiti. Whether that will be enough to advance remains uncertain, but even a narrow defeat to one of the top sides could make all the difference.