Scotland are heading to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and the Tartan Army is buzzing. Steve Clarke’s side sealed their place in the most dramatic fashion possible, and now the biggest question gripping the nation is simple: who is going to North America this summer?
How Scotland Got Here
November 18, 2025 will be etched into Scottish football history forever.
Scott McTominay opened the scoring in the third minute with a stunning bicycle kick that has already been compared to some of the greatest goals ever scored at a World Cup qualifier. Scotland went on to beat Denmark 4-2 at Hampden Park that night to seal their place at the 2026 World Cup, ending a painful 28-year wait since France 1998.
It was not a straightforward night. A penalty from Rasmus Hojlund and a strike from Patrick Dorgu had Denmark pushing back hard. But Kieran Tierney fired in a screamer in injury time before Kenny McLean, incredibly, scored from the halfway line to spark scenes of pure, unbridled joy across the whole country.
Steve Clarke’s men finished top of their qualifying group with 13 points from six games, edging out Denmark, Greece and Belarus. Clarke himself has now taken charge of more Scotland games than any other manager in history, and he has delivered three major tournament qualifications in the process.
The Group C Challenge Ahead
Scotland were drawn into Group C at the World Cup draw in Washington D.C. back in December 2025. The group that awaits them is fierce.
| Opponent | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Haiti | June 13 | Gillette Stadium, Boston |
| Morocco | June 19 | Gillette Stadium, Boston |
| Brazil | June 24 | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami |
Brazil are five-time World Cup winners and the overwhelming favourites to top the group. Morocco reached the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and will be dangerous opponents. Haiti, ranked 83rd in the world, are the group’s relative underdogs but will bring real intensity and physicality in their own backyard.
Scotland have faced Brazil at four previous World Cups and never won. But the expanded 2026 format offers a genuine lifeline. The top two teams from each group advance automatically, and the eight best third-place finishers across all 12 groups also move into the round of 32. That gives Scotland more routes through than any previous tournament.
McTominay himself has set the tone with a clear, no-nonsense message: “Come out of the group at all costs.” That ambition is real, not just talk.
The Expected Squad: Position by Position
Steve Clarke submitted a provisional list of up to 55 players to FIFA on May 11 before finalising his official 26-man squad. Here is where Scotland stand across each department.
Goalkeepers
This is Clarke’s biggest headache right now. Craig Gordon, 43, has been the go-to choice but has not played a single minute since January 25 due to a shoulder injury. Angus Gunn, who started every game at Euro 2024, returned as first choice for the March warm-up fixtures but has played just 45 minutes of club football for Nottingham Forest all season.
- Craig Gordon (Hearts) – Race against time to be fit
- Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest) – Likely No.1 if Gordon doesn’t recover
- Liam Kelly (Rangers) – Solid domestic option
- Scott Bain (Falkirk) – Experienced cover
Defenders
Captain Andrew Robertson anchors the back line from left back, and his leadership will be essential. Aaron Hickey of Brentford is considered almost certain to go if fit, returning from injury by featuring 61 minutes against Manchester City in a major boost to Clarke. Jack Hendry, Scott McKenna, Kieran Tierney, Anthony Ralston, John Souttar, Nathan Patterson, Ross McCrorie and Dominic Hyam are all firmly in contention for the remaining defensive slots.
Grant Hanley brings veteran experience but has barely played at Hibs since February due to injury. Clarke will weigh up whether his know-how is worth the risk of a player low on match sharpness.
Midfielders
This is where Scotland are genuinely strong.
- Scott McTominay (Napoli) – The heartbeat of the team and Serie A MVP 2024-25
- John McGinn (Aston Villa) – Back from a knee injury with two goals and three assists in his last six games
- Billy Gilmour (Napoli) – Controls tempo and links play beautifully
- Ryan Christie (Bournemouth) – Reliable, experienced option in the press
- Lewis Ferguson (Bologna) – Energetic and consistent in Serie A
- Kenny McLean (Norwich) – The man who scored from the halfway line against Denmark
- Lennon Miller (Udinese) – Exciting young talent breaking through
- Andy Irving (Sparta Prague) – Steady head and solid depth option
Forwards
The attacking department is where Clarke faces the toughest calls. Lyndon Dykes is the most natural No.9 and is expected to lead the line. Che Adams provides goals and movement from a variety of positions. Tommy Conway offers energy from the bench, while George Hirst gives physical presence. Findlay Curtis, the uncapped teenager on loan at Kilmarnock from Rangers, earned his first senior call-up in March and could still sneak into the final party.
Ben Gannon-Doak, who injured his hamstring in the Denmark qualifier, is a wild card. If fit, he gives Scotland a direct, unpredictable threat down the flank that no other player in the squad can quite replicate.
The Man Scotland Need Most
You cannot write about this Scotland squad without going deep on Scott McTominay. The 29-year-old Napoli midfielder has had arguably the greatest 12-month period in Scottish football history.
He ended the 2024-25 Serie A season with 12 league goals, won the Scudetto, was named Serie A’s Most Valuable Player and received a Ballon d’Or nomination. Then, for Scotland, he scored that bicycle kick heard around the world to begin the Denmark qualifier.
What makes McTominay so important is not just the goals. It is his reading of a game, his physical presence and his ability to play on both sides of the ball with genuine quality. At club level, Napoli used him as an attacking midfielder. For Scotland, he slots in as the most advanced of the central trio, the player who drifts into the box and punishes moments of poor defensive concentration.
His partnership with John McGinn in the middle of the park is one Clarke has relied on across three tournament qualifying campaigns. Both players being fit and sharp at the same time is the single biggest factor in how far Scotland go this summer.
Can Scotland Escape the Group?
Realistically, Scotland need points from the Haiti game and the Morocco game to have any genuine shot at progression. The Brazil fixture is likely to arrive after those two have been played, and Scotland’s target will be to go into that game with something already secured.
Analysis of their tactical profile makes for interesting reading. Scotland thrive on defensive structure, set-piece efficiency and collective work rate. Their pressing game makes them a genuinely uncomfortable side to play against on any given day. That style suits matches against Morocco and Haiti far better than it suits a 90-minute battle against a Brazil side featuring Vinicius Junior, Endrick and a front three of elite quality.
The goalkeeper situation needs to resolve itself. The forward area remains unsettled. And two successive 1-0 friendly defeats to Japan and Ivory Coast in March reminded everyone that Clarke’s team can look flat without their key players firing. But the bones of a squad capable of making history are clearly there.
Clarke himself said it best when discussing his preparations: “We have a little bit more tournament experience now. We knew what we were looking for.” That quiet confidence, after 28 years in the wilderness, feels earned. Scotland are not travelling to North America to be tourists. They want to make history, and for the first time in a very long time, the squad they are bringing gives them every right to believe they can do it. Drop your thoughts below. Who do you think makes the final 26 and can Scotland finally escape the group stage for the first time? #TartanArmy
