Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

Scotland are one of the most experienced nations never to advance beyond the group stage of a World Cup. The 2026 edition is their ninth World Cup finals appearance, having previously participated in 1954, 1958, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, and 1998. Scotland went 28 years without a World Cup appearance between France 1998 and 2026. Their closest calls to progressing came in 1974 (unbeaten but eliminated on goal difference behind Brazil and Yugoslavia), 1978 (eliminated on goal difference with the Netherlands advancing), and 1982 (eliminated on goal difference by the Soviet Union). The 1978 tournament is also remembered for Archie Gemmill's celebrated individual goal against the Netherlands.

Qualification

Scotland qualified for the 2026 World Cup by winning UEFA qualifying Group C, which also contained Denmark, Greece, and Belarus. Each team played six matches in a home-and-away format compressed into the September to November 2025 window. Scotland clinched qualification with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Denmark at Hampden Park on 18 November 2025, with Kieran Tierney scoring in stoppage time to secure top spot. It was Scotland's first World Cup qualification since France 1998, under Steve Clarke, who has been in charge since May 2019 and now holds the record for most matches as Scotland manager.

Preparation

Scotland's 2026 World Cup campaign ended at the group stage. They beat Haiti 1-0 (McGinn 28', 14 June), lost 0-1 to Morocco (Saibari, 19 June), and lost 0-3 to Brazil (Vinicius Junior 7', 45+3'; Cunha 60', 24 June), finishing third in Group C with 3 points and a -3 goal difference. Croatia's 2-1 win over Ghana on 27 June confirmed Scotland could not qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams, leaving them 11th in the third-place standings. Steve Clarke resigned the same day after seven years in charge, having signed a contract extension to 2030 just 30 days earlier.

Latest news

Scottish FA casts wide net for Clarke's successor as Nations League deadline looms

· coach

The Scottish FA's Mulholland and Maxwell are compiling a shortlist to replace Clarke. Maxwell said 'nothing is off the table', the search is 'not necessarily about where they come from'. Candidates: Moyes, Martinez, Benitez, Naismith, McGlynn, Neil. Naismith could act as interim if no permanent appointment is made before the Slovenia Nations League opener on 26 September.

Steve Clarke resigns as Scotland manager following World Cup group stage exit

· coach

Steve Clarke stepped down as Scotland manager on 27 June in an open letter to the Tartan Army, after their 2026 World Cup exit. In seven years he led Scotland to Euro 2021, Euro 2024 and a first World Cup in 28 years, and signed a 2030 extension 30 days before the tournament. He said his goodbye was most emotional for his players; SFA CEO Ian Maxwell hailed his 'record-breaking contribution'.

Scotland's World Cup ends after Croatia defeat Ghana confirms group stage exit

· matches

Croatia's 2-1 win over Ghana in Group L on 27 June mathematically eliminated Scotland from the 2026 World Cup, as they could no longer finish among the eight best third-placed teams. Scotland ended their campaign 11th in the third-place standings with 3 points and a -3 goal difference from Group C. Opta had given them only a 0.07% chance of progression following the Brazil defeat.

Aaron Hickey named as substitute vs Brazil, cleared from doubtful status

· injuries

Aaron Hickey, who had been doubtful since picking up an injury against Haiti, was named among Scotland's substitutes for the Brazil match on 24 June. Nathan Patterson was preferred at right back in the starting XI. Hickey did not come on during the 0-3 defeat, but his presence in the matchday squad confirmed he had recovered from the Haiti injury.

Scotland lose 0-3 to Brazil and face anxious wait for best-third place

· matches

Vinicius Junior scored twice (7', 45+3') and Matheus Cunha added a third (60') as Brazil beat Scotland 3-0 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami. McKenna gifted the opener; Neymar came on (76'). Best chance: Tierney denied by Alisson (49'). Scotland finish 3rd in Group C, 3 pts, -3 GD, 7th in best-third. Clarke: 'I think we're going home'; Robertson and McGinn also doubted progression.

Clarke, Robertson and McGinn admit World Cup exit looks likely after Brazil defeat

· general

After the 0-3 loss to Brazil, manager Steve Clarke said 'I think we're going home', acknowledging the team cannot now determine their own fate. Captain Andy Robertson said 'If you ask me now, I don't think it is enough.' John McGinn added: 'If we get a miracle, we'll need to be better.' Scotland need to rank among the eight best third-placed finishers across 12 groups by June 27.

Triple injury concern for Scotland ahead of Brazil: McKenna, Hickey and Ferguson miss training

· injuries

McKenna (calf, missed both group matches), Hickey (injury from Haiti, absent vs Morocco) and Ferguson (precautionary rest) missed group training on 22 June. Naismith: McKenna 'fine, back tomorrow'; Ferguson 'run the most in the tournament, just taking a rest'; Hickey 'improving every day' with availability call pending. A point vs Brazil guarantees Scotland's first-ever knockout-stage appearance.

Scotland lose 0-1 to Morocco as Saibari strikes early in Group C

· matches

Ismael Saibari's early goal gave Morocco a 1-0 Group C win over Scotland in Foxborough. Scotland disputed at least one second-half penalty not awarded; Clarke said 'Sometimes they give it, sometimes they don't.' Scotland remain on 3 points from 2 matches and still have a chance to advance as a best third-placed team ahead of the Brazil match on 24 June.

McKenna returns to training, in contention for Morocco after missing Haiti opener

· injuries

Scott McKenna, who missed Scotland's 1-0 win over Haiti with a calf strain, returned to training ahead of the Morocco match on 19 June. He had missed a Wednesday session before the squad flew to Boston, leaving his availability uncertain. His return gives Steve Clarke an additional defensive option.

Scotland beat Haiti 1-0 to earn first World Cup victory since 1990

· matches

John McGinn's deflected strike (28') gave Scotland a 1-0 Group C win over Haiti at Gillette Stadium, Boston. Starting XI: Gunn; Hickey, Hanley, Hendry, Robertson; Gannon-Doak, McTominay, Ferguson, McGinn; Adams, Shankland. McKenna missed with a calf injury. Scotland went top of Group C after Brazil and Morocco drew 1-1. Ben Gannon-Doak, 20, became Scotland's youngest ever World Cup player.

McKenna confirmed out of Haiti opener with calf injury; McTominay passes fit

· injuries

Steve Clarke confirmed Scott McKenna would miss Scotland's World Cup opener against Haiti due to a calf injury, after he missed the final training session in Charlotte on 13 June. Scott McTominay, who had missed the previous Thursday session with a stomach complaint, was cleared to play after returning to training on Friday.

McTominay and McKenna miss Scotland training with illness and knock ahead of Haiti opener

· injuries

Scott McTominay missed Scotland's Thursday training session at the Atrium Health Training Centre in Charlotte with a stomach complaint, while defender Scott McKenna was also absent with a knock. Both players are expected to be fit for Scotland's Group C opener against Haiti on 14 June at Gillette Stadium in Boston.

Scotland players sample American football at Carolina Panthers minicamp

· general

Four Scotland squad members, George Hirst, Che Adams, Craig Gordon and Angus Gunn, attended a Carolina Panthers minicamp practice in Charlotte on 9 June, watching the NFL side train in high humidity and trying field-goal kicking with Panthers kicker Ryan Fitzgerald. The visit was part of the squad's downtime at their World Cup base camp.

Scotland call off behind-closed-doors friendly with Norway over fitness concerns

· matches

Scotland scrapped a planned closed-doors training friendly against Norway, called off on Sunday 8 June and planned for the following day, with Steve Clarke saying it 'wasn't worth the risk' after a couple of players picked up injuries. Norway coach Stale Solbakken called the late cancellation 'unprofessional'; no specific Scotland players were named as injured.

Scotland arrive in Charlotte and begin World Cup base-camp training

· general

Scotland's squad touched down in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday 7 June, settling into their World Cup base at Charlotte FC's Atrium Health Performance Park, and held their first training session there on Monday 8 June. The players also met and posed with fans during breaks as they prepared for the group opener against Haiti.

Che Adams returns from thigh injury with a brace against Bolivia

· injuries

Striker Che Adams, who had been a doubt with a thigh injury sustained at Torino in May, started Scotland's final pre-tournament friendly against Bolivia and scored twice in the first half (around 30 and 45 minutes). His return to fitness and goalscoring form eases concerns ahead of the World Cup group opener against Haiti.

Scotland round off World Cup preparations with 4-0 win over Bolivia

· matches

Scotland beat Bolivia 4-0 at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, in their final pre-tournament friendly. All four goals came in the first half: Lawrence Shankland headed in inside five minutes, Scott McTominay added a second and Che Adams struck twice before the break. Steve Clarke said starting places for the Haiti opener remain open.

Scotland squad numbers confirmed: Angus Gunn handed No 1 ahead of Craig Gordon

· squad

Scotland confirmed their World Cup shirt numbers, with Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Angus Gunn given the No 1 jersey ahead of veteran Craig Gordon, who takes No 21. Captain Andy Robertson wears No 3, Scott McTominay No 4 and John McGinn No 7. Doubtful striker Che Adams was assigned the No 10, with Tyler Fletcher taking the No 8 left vacant by the injured Billy Gilmour.

Tyler Fletcher called into World Cup squad to replace injured Gilmour

· squad

Scotland added 19-year-old Manchester United midfielder Tyler Fletcher to their 26-man World Cup squad on 31 May as a replacement for the injured Billy Gilmour. Fletcher, son of former captain Darren Fletcher, had made his debut as a half-time substitute against Curacao and was chosen ahead of standby trio Lennon Miller, Connor Barron and Andy Irving.

Billy Gilmour ruled out of the World Cup with knee injury

· injuries

Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour suffered a knee injury without contact in the first half of Scotland's 4-1 friendly win over Curacao on 30 May and was ruled out of the 2026 World Cup, returning to Napoli for rehabilitation. Steve Clarke said he was 'devastated' and called the timing 'so, so cruel' for a player integral to the qualifying campaign.

Scotland beat ten-man Curacao 4-1 in World Cup send-off friendly

· matches

Scotland beat Curacao 4-1 at Hampden Park in their first pre-tournament friendly on 30 May. Tahith Chong put Curacao ahead before Findlay Curtis equalised with his first international goal; Lawrence Shankland scored twice and Ryan Christie added a penalty. Curacao's Jurgen Locadia was sent off in the first half for an elbow on Aaron Hickey.

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Craig GordonGKHearts
Angus GunnGKNottingham Forest
Liam KellyGKRangers
Grant HanleyDFHibernian
Jack HendryDFAl-Ettifaq
Aaron HickeyDFBrentford
Dom HyamDFWrexham
Scott McKennaDFDinamo Zagreb
Nathan PattersonDFEverton
Anthony RalstonDFCeltic
Andy RobertsonDFLiverpool
John SouttarDFRangers
Kieran TierneyDFCeltic
Ryan ChristieMFBournemouth
Finlay CurtisMFRangers
Lewis FergusonMFBologna
Ben Gannon-DoakMFBournemouth
Tyler FletcherMFManchester United
John McGinnMFAston Villa
Kenny McLeanMFNorwich City
Scott McTominayMFNapoli
Che AdamsFWTorino
Lyndon DykesFWCharlton Athletic
George HirstFWIpswich Town
Lawrence ShanklandFWHearts
Ross StewartFWSouthampton

Recent results

  • 2024-03-22 — NED 4-0 SCO (friendly)
  • 2024-03-26 — SCO 0-1 NIR (friendly)
  • 2024-06-03 — GIB 0-2 SCO (friendly)
  • 2024-06-07 — SCO 2-2 FIN (friendly)
  • 2025-06-06 — SCO 1-3 ISL (friendly)
  • 2025-06-09 — LIE 0-4 SCO (friendly)
  • 2025-09-05 — DEN 0-0 SCO (qualification)
  • 2025-09-08 — BLR 0-2 SCO (qualification)
  • 2025-10-09 — SCO 3-1 GRE (qualification)
  • 2025-10-12 — SCO 2-1 BLR (qualification)
  • 2025-11-15 — GRE 3-2 SCO (qualification)
  • 2025-11-18 — SCO 4-2 DEN (qualification)
  • 2026-03-28 — SCO 0-1 JPN (friendly)
  • 2026-03-31 — CIV 1-0 SCO (friendly)
  • 2026-05-30 — SCO 4-1 CUW (friendly)
  • 2026-06-06 — BOL 0-4 SCO (friendly)
  • 2026-06-14 — HAI 0-1 SCO (group)
  • 2026-06-19 — MAR 1-0 SCO (group)
  • 2026-06-24 — SCO 0-3 BRA (group)

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