Fifa World Cup 2026: What you need to know about Scotland

Get the lowdown onevery team at the 2026 World Cup. Here we take a closer look at Scotland.

What can I expect from Scotland?

The holy grail for Scotland remains reaching the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time.

They have participated at 12 prior to this summer, with a win ratio of just 17% from 35 matches. Their last major tournament victory was at the Euros 30 years ago.

However, the expanded format of this World Cup, which includes an additional elimination round in the last 32 - along with a very winnable opening match against Haiti – presents perhaps Scotland's best chance of breaking that unwanted record.

Expect solidity, aggression and a band-of-brothers mentality from a settled squad who appear to genuinely cherish being together.

The new deal signed by head coach Steve Clarke in May has cemented Scotland's stability at an important time.

What are Scotland's strengths?

Much depends on the experience of Scotland's midfield.

Aston Villa's John McGinn has just enjoyed his finest club campaign in terms of goal contributions, while Scott McTominay has continued the form that saw him win Serie A player of the year in 2024-25.

An in-form Lawrence Shankland could answer the cry for goals at the highest level

And what about their weaknesses?

Scotland lack for strength in depth and cannot afford to lose any marquee players.

Preferred right-back Aaron Hickey has played 92 club minutes since February, while 43-year-old Hearts keeper Craig Gordon may start in goal. Alternative goalkeeping options, Rangers' Liam Kelly and Nottingham Forest's Angus Gunn, have not been first choice at their clubs this season

Steve Clarke has not used a back five in a competitive game since Euro 2024, but he could return to this formation against tougher teams with Celtic full-back Kieran Tierney at centre-back.

How might Scotland line up?

Which players should I look out for?

John McGinn led Aston Villa to a first European trophy in 44 years this season. Ten goals and seven assists are the highest number of goal involvements in his club career

Scott McTominay's overhead kick in the decisive qualifier against Denmark is now so famous it has made it onto a special edition Scottish banknote. The 2024-25 Serie A player of the year has been directly involved in 15 goals for Scotland since the start of 2023 – six more than anyone else.

Lawrence Shankland has scored 21 more goals than any other player in the Scottish Premiership since 2022-23. He's never been first choice for Scotland but still averages a goal every 86 minutes in international football

Who is Scotland's head coach?

Three major tournaments as head coach is a Scottish record and Steve Clarke has achieved this feat in just seven years.

He's the first man to take Scotland to back-to-back European Championships and the first to a World Cup since Craig Brown in 1998.

How did Scotland qualify?

Qualification was secured in stunning fashion with an overhead kick, a 22-yard stunner and goal from the halfway line in a 4-2 win in their final qualifier against Denmark at Hampden Park in November

Where can I watch Scotland?

All of Scotland's matches will also be covered live on the BBC Sport website and app with updates, analysis, and fan reaction. Come and be part of it!

Give me a fact to impress my friends

Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon can become the second-oldest man to play at a World Cup after Essam El Hadary, who played in goal for Egypt against Saudi Arabia at the age of 45 in 2018.

Now give me some proper detail

When Scotland faced Denmark at Hampden Park at 7.45pm on 18th November, the brief was clear: defeat the nation then 18 places higher in Fifa's rankings and qualify for a first World Cup since 1998. Lose, and face the gut-wrenching unpredictability of the play-offs.

One of the most famous nights in Hampden's 122-year history followed.

A rip-roaring 4-2 win featured an overhead kick scored by Scott McTominay after just three minutes, which has hung as a picture in the National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh, an injury-time 22-yard screamer by full-back Kieran Tierney – just a second goal in 53 caps at that stage – to put Scotland ahead on the night.

Then, a goal from the halfway line by Kenny McClean after 98 minutes, the crowd celebrations of which equalled the seismic activity of a small earthquake.

Scotland have reached two previous major tournaments under Steve Clarke but failed to win a game at either Euro 2020 or Euro 2024.

Their last win at the European Championships was a 1-0 victory against Switzerland in 1996. Their most recent at the World Cup was against Sweden 36 years ago.

If Scotland are to reach the knockout stage of a major tournament for the first time in all 13 attempts, an opening encounter against a Haiti team ranked 83rd in the world looks crucial, with Morocco and Brazil to come.

How have Scotland done at previous World Cups?