World Cup Group C permutations: What do Scotland need to make the last 32?

After the second round of matches in Group C, the battle for automatic qualification to the 2026 World Cup knockout stages remains finely poised, with Brazil, Morocco and Scotland all still in contention to progress.

Both Brazil and Morocco recorded their first victories of the tournament, overcoming Haiti and Scotland respectively to strengthen their positions in the group.

Haiti's hopes, meanwhile, have been extinguished following back-to-back defeats, leaving the other three nations battling it out for the two automatic qualification spots.

What Scotland need to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages

Scotland slipped to third place in Group C after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Morocco at Boston Stadium, leaving Steve Clarke's side with three points from their opening two matches.

Avoiding defeat against Morocco would have placed the Scots in a much stronger position, but qualification remains firmly within their grasp.

Scotland know that victory over Brazil in their final group match would guarantee a place in the knockout rounds, while a draw could still be enough if they finish among the best third-placed teams.

Should Morocco lose to Haiti and Scotland draw with Brazil, Clarke's men could also progress automatically, provided they finish above Morocco on goal difference.

What Brazil need to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages

Brazil were widely expected to overcome Haiti and Carlo Ancelotti's side duly delivered, producing a dominant first-half display en route to a comfortable victory.

The result moved the Selecao onto four points from two matches and left them in a strong position heading into the final round of fixtures.

A draw against Scotland will be enough to secure qualification regardless of what happens in Morocco's match against Haiti. In simple terms, Brazil will reach the Round of 32 as long as they avoid defeat.

What Morocco need to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages

Morocco began their campaign with an impressive 1-1 draw against Brazil, with Ismael Saibari finding the net against the five-time world champions.

The Bayern Munich-bound attacker was on target again against Scotland, scoring the decisive goal in a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

Like Brazil, Morocco sit on four points after two matches and know that avoiding defeat against Haiti should be enough to book their place in the knockout stages.

A victory would guarantee progression, while a draw would almost certainly be sufficient.

What Haiti need to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages

Haiti's second World Cup appearance has come to an early end, with successive defeats ensuring their elimination from the tournament.

While few expected them to take points from Brazil, the narrow loss to Scotland ultimately proved equally damaging.

Although they can no longer qualify, Haiti could still have a major say in the outcome of Group C.

A surprise victory over Morocco on the final matchday could dramatically alter the qualification picture and potentially open the door for Scotland.