2026 World Cup: Carragher tips Morocco to beat Brazil in group stage

Jamie Carragher has tipped Morocco to emerge as one of the standout stories of the 2026 World Cup, backing the North African side to finish above Brazil in their group before eventually being halted by England in the knockout stages.

In an assessment of Group C, which also includes Scotland and Haiti, the former Liverpool defender believes the battle for top spot will be far from straightforward despite Brazil Brazil’s traditional pedigree.

Carragher, speaking to The Telegraph, suggested that while the qualifying picture may appear predictable, the contest for supremacy could still produce surprises, with Morocco leading the way ahead of Brazil and Scotland.

“Brazil are the favourites to return to the podium after a long absence, but I expect Morocco to finish first, Brazil second, and Scotland third.”

His remarks also underline Morocco’s rise since reaching the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup, a run that reshaped perceptions of African football on the global stage.

In his projected knockout bracket, Carragher envisions Morocco’s momentum continuing with victories over Japan in the round of 32 and Ecuador Ecuador in the round of 16, extending their remarkable tournament run.

However, he expects their journey to end in the quarter-finals, where they would be eliminated by England.

He further predicts a dominant European conclusion to the tournament, with France meeting Portugal in the final four, while Spain and England complete the semi-final line-up.