World Cup 2026: Group C & D knockout race gets more exciting

KATHMANDU: The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage has intensified after the completion of the first round of matches in Groups C and D, setting up a thrilling battle for knockout-stage qualification.

In Group C, Scotland sit top of the table with three points after a narrow 1–0 victory over Haiti. Meanwhile, the clash between Brazil and Morocco ended in a 1–1 draw, leaving both sides with one point each. Haiti remain without a point after the opening match.

Scotland currently lead the group, followed by Brazil in second and Morocco in third on goal difference, while Haiti sit at the bottom.

The second round will see Scotland face Morocco in a crucial encounter, while Brazil take on Haiti. A win for Scotland could push them closer to early qualification for the knockout stage, while Brazil and Morocco will be desperate to secure their first victory of the campaign.

In Group D, United States and Australia made strong starts, both collecting three points from their opening fixtures. The USA defeated Paraguay 4–1, while Australia secured a 2–0 win over Turkey. The USA currently lead the group on goal difference.

Upcoming fixtures will see Turkey face Paraguay in a must-win clash, while the USA meet Australia in a high-stakes showdown that could decide early qualification.

With only a small points gap between teams in both groups, the second round of matches is expected to significantly shape the knockout-stage picture, especially for Brazil, Morocco, Turkey, and Paraguay, who are already under pressure to deliver results.