Brazil and Morocco secured their places in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after decisive victories in their final Group C matches on Wednesday night, while Haiti and Scotland saw their campaigns come to an end.
At the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Morocco survived a spirited challenge from Haiti to claim a dramatic 4-2 victory and seal qualification as Group C runners-up.
The Atlas Lions entered the contest knowing victory would guarantee progression, but Haiti already eliminated before kick-off refused to bow out quietly and produced one of their most spirited performances of the tournament.
Haiti stunned Morocco inside 10 minutes when pressure in the box resulted in an own goal credited to Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. The Caribbean side extended their impressive display later in the first half through Wilson Isidor, whose superb strike briefly restored Haiti’s lead.
Morocco responded through captain Achraf Hakimi, who capitalised on a goalkeeping error to level proceedings before Ismael Saibari struck in added time of the first half to make it 2-2.
With qualification hanging in the balance, Morocco stepped up after the interval. Soufiane Rahimi turned home from close range in the 78th minute to give the North Africans the lead for the first time before substitute Gessime Yassine wrapped up the win late on with his first international goal.
The victory confirmed Morocco’s place in the Round of 32 as Group C runners-up, where they will face the eventual winners of Group F.
Meanwhile, at Hard Rock Stadium, Brazil delivered a dominant 3-0 victory over Scotland to finish top of Group C and continue their pursuit of a record-extending sixth World Cup title.
Brazil took control early after a costly defensive mistake allowed Vinicius Junior to open the scoring in the seventh minute. The Real Madrid forward thought he had added another shortly afterwards, but VAR ruled it out.
However, Vinicius eventually grabbed his second goal deep into first-half stoppage time after capitalising on another defensive error.
Scotland attempted a response after the break and created opportunities, but Brazil remained in control. Matheus Cunha sealed the victory in the 60th minute after being set up by Bruno Guimaraes.
The defeat ended Scotland’s World Cup journey after their hopes of advancing as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams faded.
With the final Group C standings confirmed, Brazil advanced as group winners and Morocco joined them in the knockout rounds, while Haiti and Scotland exited the competition.
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