Scotland’s head coach Steve Clarke has expressed optimism after his team’s draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, calling it “an opportunity” to end their long wait for a return to the global tournament. Having qualified for Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, Scotland has not appeared in a World Cup finals since 1998 in France. The team’s qualifying draw, announced on Friday in Zurich, has paired them with Greece, Belarus, and another yet-to-be-determined opponent, offering Clarke a promising route.
Scotland’s Path to 2026 World Cup
The draw places Scotland in a competitive but manageable group. They will face Greece four times in 2025, including twice in the Nations League promotion playoffs, giving Clarke’s side a chance to build familiarity with their opponents. Clarke, who has set his sights on making history by qualifying for the World Cup, emphasized his commitment to the task ahead. “When I spoke after the tournament in the summer, I said that one of my main remaining ambitions is to go to a World Cup with my country,” he stated. “These qualifying games give me an opportunity to do that, and I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.”
Despite the relatively favorable draw, Clarke anticipates a tough challenge, especially against Greece, who will also be familiar rivals by the time the World Cup qualifiers begin. “We’ll get to know each other very well, I think,” he remarked, adding that the matches could become cagey. “But you never know in football.”
Belarus ‘Away’ Match Challenge
A logistical issue for Scotland arises with their “away” match against Belarus. Due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions, Belarus has been barred from hosting international fixtures at home since 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This will force Scotland to play in a neutral venue, likely in Hungary, as was the case in October when Northern Ireland faced Belarus. Clarke is focused on hitting the ground running, with all six of Scotland’s qualifying matches in the group set to take place within the tight schedule of the September, October, and November windows.
Wales Targets Top of Group After Drawing Belgium
Meanwhile, Wales, managed by Craig Bellamy, will have their work cut out in their qualifying group after drawing Belgium. Bellamy, undeterred by the tough competition, has targeted finishing at the top of the group, despite Belgium’s dominance in recent years. He’s optimistic that Wales can build on their strong performances and rise to the challenge.
