World Cup Preview: Scotland

Scotland are finally back on the biggest stage of all after a 28-year-wait that has felt like an eternity for the Tartan Army. Eight of the squad weren’t even born when Scotland opened France ’98 against Brazil. They meet 1998 group rivals Brazil and Morocco once again, with Haiti also lying in wait.

Fixtures (UK time)

Haiti, June 14, 2am
Morocco, June 19, 11pm
Brazil, June 24, 11pm

How They Qualified

Scotland’s 4-2 win over Denmark last November will live long in the memory. Sensational goals from Kieran Tierney, Scott McTominay and Kenny McLean saw the Scots qualify in style, and the only arguments amongst a fan base so used to disappointment over the last three decades was over which one was truly the best finish. That result saw them win the qualifying group by two points ahead of the Danes. The only blemish was a disappointing loss in their penultimate game against Greece.

The Manager

Steve Clarke‘s reward for finally leading Scotland to a World Cup was a contract extension until the end of the 2030 tournament. Critics say that he is too loyal to a core group of players, and too inflexible tactically, but the statistics show him as Scotland’s most successful manager ever with three major tournament qualifications to his name.

The Star

Scott McTominay’s had a superb few years since joining Napoli. He was named Serie A Player of the Year as part of their 2025 title-winning team and became the first male Scotland player to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or since Ally McCoist in 1986. He’s also popped up with 14 goals in his last 32 international appearances.

The Familiar Face

Andrew Robertson has led Scotland their most successful period of this century, and has been synonymous with the Scotland set up for over a decade. He left Liverpool at the end of the season after 378 appearances, having picked up winners medals for the Premier League (2019-20, 2024-25), the (2018-19) and the FA Cup (2022). He officially joins Tottenham Hotspur when his contract expires on June 30.

Did you know?

Scott McTominay’s bicycle kick was so good that his image was put onto 100 limited edition £20 notes to raise money for homelessness charity Crisis.

The Prediction

Round of 32

Scotland have never got out of a World Cup group stage, but they should banish that ghost this summer. The inclusion of Haiti in the group should mean Scotland should progress as one of the eight third-placed teams.

Cover Photo: Flag of Scotland by Christoph Strassler used under license by CC BY-SA 2.0.