Scotland has officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after topping UEFA Qualifying Group C with 13 points, securing their spot with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Denmark in November 2025. This historic achievement marks their first World Cup qualification since 1998. The national team has been drawn into Group C for the finals in North America, where they will face Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti. In the UEFA Nations League (2024-25), Scotland finished 3rd in League A Group 1 but were relegated to League B following a play-off defeat to Greece in March 2025.
As of February 2026, the Scotland national football team is enjoying a renaissance under Steve Clarke, having secured automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While their Nations League campaign ended in relegation, the Tartan Army is fully focused on the upcoming summer tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Below is the definitive guide to Scotland’s current standings, recent results, and what lies ahead for the squad.+1
World Cup 2026 Qualifying Standings (UEFA Group C)
Scotland’s road to the 2026 World Cup was defined by a resilient campaign in UEFA Qualifying Group C. Drawn against tough opposition in Denmark, Greece, and Belarus, Steve Clarke’s men managed to secure the top spot on the final matchday.
Final Group C Standings:
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
| 1 | Scotland | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 7 | +6 | 13 | Qualified for WC 2026 |
| 2 | Denmark | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 16 | 7 | +9 | 11 | Play-offs |
| 3 | Greece | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 12 | -2 | 7 | Eliminated |
| 4 | Belarus | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 17 | -13 | 2 | Eliminated |
Data accurate as of November 2025.
The campaign’s defining moment came on November 18, 2025, at Hampden Park. Needing a win to overtake Denmark, who sat top of the table, Scotland produced a thrilling 4-2 victory. Goals from Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland, Kieran Tierney, and Kenny McLean overturned a nervy start to send the Tartan Army into raptures.+2
World Cup 2026 Finals: Group C Preview
Following the draw in December 2025, Scotland has been placed in Group C for the World Cup finals. The group offers a blend of glamour and grit, with matches scheduled to be played in the United States.
Group C Opponents:
- Brazil (Pot 1) – Five-time World Champions.
- Morocco (Pot 2) – 2022 World Cup Semi-finalists.
- Scotland (Pot 3) – UEFA Group C Winners.
- Haiti (Pot 4) – CONCACAF Qualifiers.
Scotland’s World Cup Fixtures:
- vs Haiti | June 13, 2026 | Gillette Stadium, Boston (Foxborough)
- vs Morocco | June 19, 2026 | Gillette Stadium, Boston (Foxborough)
- vs Brazil | June 24, 2026 | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
The opening match against Haiti is viewed as a “must-win” to build momentum before facing the tactical discipline of Morocco and the flair of Brazil.
UEFA Nations League 2024/25 Standings
While the World Cup qualification was a triumph, the 2024/25 Nations League campaign presented significant challenges in League A. Drawn into a “Group of Death” with Portugal, Croatia, and Poland, Scotland fought bravely but ultimately faced relegation.
League A Group 1 Final Table:
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GD | Pts | Outcome |
| 1 | Portugal | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | +8 | 14 | Finals |
| 2 | Croatia | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 8 | Quarters |
| 3 | Scotland | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | -1 | 7 | Relegation Play-off |
| 4 | Poland | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -7 | 4 | Relegated |
Relegation Play-off Heartbreak: Finishing 3rd meant Scotland faced a relegation play-off against a League B runner-up, Greece, in March 2025.
- 1st Leg (Away): Greece 0-1 Scotland
- 2nd Leg (Home): Scotland 0-3 Greece
- Aggregate: Scotland lost 1-3 and will compete in League B for the next cycle.
Key Players & Squad Depth (2026)
The 2026 squad represents a blend of experienced veterans and exciting young talent. Steve Clarke has successfully integrated a new generation to support the established core.
The “Tartan Core”
- Andy Robertson (C): The Liverpool left-back remains the heartbeat of the team, offering relentless energy and leadership.
- Scott McTominay: Often Scotland’s most potent goal threat from midfield, McTominay scored crucial goals in both the Nations League and World Cup qualifiers.
- John McGinn: The Aston Villa captain continues to be pivotal in linking play and shielding the defense.
Emerging Stars
- Ben Doak: The young winger has been a revelation, providing the pace and directness Scotland has often lacked. His goal in the qualifiers cemented his spot in the starting XI.
- Lennon Miller: The Motherwell teenage sensation has broken into the senior squad, offering composure and technical ability in central midfield.
- Aaron Hickey: Now fully established, Hickey provides versatility on either flank, crucial for tournament football.
Practical Information for Traveling Fans
For members of the Tartan Army planning to travel to the USA for the World Cup, logistics are key.
Boston (Foxborough) Tips:
- Transport: Gillette Stadium is located about 22 miles southwest of downtown Boston. The “Patriot Train” from South Station is the best way to get there on match days.
- Accommodation: Hotels in Boston are expensive. Consider staying in Providence, Rhode Island, which is closer to the stadium and often cheaper.
Miami Tips:
- Weather: Expect high humidity and temperatures around 30°C (86°F) in June. Hydration is essential.
- Stadium Access: Hard Rock Stadium is in Miami Gardens. Public transport is limited; arranging designated fan shuttles or carpooling is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Has Scotland qualified for the 2026 World Cup? Yes, Scotland qualified automatically by finishing 1st in UEFA Qualifying Group C, ahead of Denmark.
2. Who is in Scotland’s World Cup group? Scotland is in Group C with Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti.
3. When is Scotland’s first World Cup match? Scotland will play Haiti on June 13, 2026, in Boston.
4. Did Scotland get relegated in the Nations League? Yes. After finishing 3rd in League A Group 1, Scotland lost a relegation play-off 1-3 on aggregate to Greece in March 2025, dropping them to League B.
5. Who is the current Scotland manager? Steve Clarke is the manager. He signed a contract extension keeping him in charge through the 2026 World Cup.
6. What was the score in the decisive qualifier vs Denmark? Scotland beat Denmark 4-2 at Hampden Park on November 18, 2025.
7. Who are Scotland’s key players for 2026? Key players include Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Kieran Tierney, and youngster Ben Doak.
8. Where will Scotland play their World Cup group games? Two games will be played at Gillette Stadium (Boston/Foxborough) and one at Hard Rock Stadium (Miami).
9. How did Scotland perform in the Nations League against Portugal? Scotland managed a credible 0-0 draw at home against Portugal in October 2024 but lost the away fixture 2-1.
10. Is Ben Doak in the Scotland squad? Yes, Ben Doak has become a regular starter and key attacking threat for the national team leading into 2026.
11. How many teams qualify from the World Cup group? The top two teams guarantee qualification, while the eight best 3rd-placed teams (out of 12 groups) also advance to the Round of 32.
12. When does the World Cup 2026 start? The tournament begins in June 2026, with Scotland’s campaign kicking off on June 13.
13. What is Scotland’s recent record against Brazil? Scotland has never beaten Brazil in a competitive match, famously losing the opening game of the 1998 World Cup 2-1.
14. Are tickets available for Scotland’s World Cup games? Tickets are sold via the official FIFA portal. Demand is extremely high, and fans are advised to join the Scotland Supporters Club for any priority access drops.
15. What TV channel shows Scotland games? In the UK, Scotland’s World Cup matches will be broadcast on BBC and ITV. Nations League and qualifiers are typically shown on Viaplay or ITV/BBC depending on rights deals at the time.
SCOTLAND 4-2 DENMARK | Scotland Qualify for 2026 World Cup! | World Cup Qualifier Highlights
This video highlights the decisive 4-2 victory over Denmark that secured Scotland’s place in the 2026 World Cup, capturing the goals and atmosphere of that historic night at Hampden.
