Scotland’s Path to 2024 World Cup Qualification After 28-Year Hiatus

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Scotland’s Path to 2024 World Cup Qualification After 28-Year Hiatus

Scotland is on the verge of ending a 28-year absence from the World Cup as they prepare for a crucial match at Hampden Park next week. The team last qualified for the prestigious tournament in 1998. Under coach Steve Clarke, the national squad has shown significant improvement, with hopes of automatic qualification still alive.

Scotland’s Path to World Cup 2026

In Group C of the European qualifiers, Scotland has displayed a commendable performance. They have secured victories against Belarus and a popular win against Greece. However, they encountered challenges, including a loss to Greece and a goalless draw against Denmark.

With only one game remaining, Scotland needs to beat Denmark on November 18 to achieve automatic qualification for the World Cup for the first time since 1982. Currently, Scotland trails Denmark by just one point, following Denmark’s recent 2-2 draw against Belarus.

Play-Off Round Insights

While automatic qualification is a priority, Scotland has already secured a place in the play-offs. A total of 12 group runners-up will enter this phase, along with the top four teams from the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League that did not finish in the top two of their groups.

Play-off matches will feature single-leg semi-finals.
Finals will occur within the same window, from March 26 to March 31 next year.

European Teams Qualifying for the World Cup 2026

For the 2026 World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, a total of 16 UEFA nations will qualify. Direct spots are reserved for the 12 group winners. The remaining four spots will be fought for in the play-offs among the group runners-up.

Scotland’s Current Squad

Coach Steve Clarke leads a talented squad aiming for World Cup qualification. The roster includes:

Goalkeepers: Scott Bain (Falkirk), Craig Gordon (Hearts), Liam Kelly (Rangers)
Defenders: Josh Doig (Sassuolo), Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic)
Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Gannon Doak (Bournemouth), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich), Scott McTominay (Napoli), Connor Barron (Rangers), Andy Irving (West Ham)
Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Birmingham), George Hirst (Ipswich), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts)

Scotland is eager to continue their competitive form and return to the World Cup stage in 2026, taking a significant step towards achieving this goal in their upcoming match. The final qualifying match holds the potential for history and pride for the Tartan Army. As they face Denmark, the spotlight will be on their performance to secure a spot in one of the world’s biggest football tournaments.