Scotland National Team Archives - Page 2 of 7

Scotland’s World Cup hopes hanging by a thread after overnight results go against them

Scotland’s hopes of reaching the World Cup Round of 32 have taken another major hit after two overnight results left Steve Clarke’s side with even less room for error. The Tartan Army’s chances of qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams were dented after Ecuador stunned tournament favourites Germany with a shock 2-1 victory, while Sweden secured the point they needed in a 1-1 draw against Japan to book their place in the knockout stages. Those results leave Scotland relying on several favourable outcomes elsewhere if they are to squeeze into the last 32 with three points and a goal difference of -3. Here’s what Scotland fans should be watching over the coming fixtures: Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia Scotland need Cape Verde to suffer defeat. A draw would be enough to send Cape Verde above the Scots and end their World Cup dream. Belgium vs New Zealand Belgium require only a single point to move ahead of Scotland. The Red Devils will be favourites to get the result they need. DR Congo vs Uzbekistan A draw is enough for DR Congo to leapfrog Scotland, and with Uzbekistan already eliminated, they could even take all three points. Algeria vs Austria Algeria already sit above Scotland despite having played one game fewer. The Tartan Army will be hoping Austria can hand the Foxes a heavy defeat to keep qualification hopes alive. Senegal vs Iraq Senegal’s campaign has been underwhelming, but they would need to beat Iraq by more than six goals to overtake Scotland on goal difference. While Scotland’s fate now depends on results elsewhere, attention will also turn to England’s final group-stage fixture. The Three Lions face Panama on Saturday night, with kick-off scheduled for 10pm UK time. For Scotland supporters, it promises to be an anxious wait as hopes of extending their World Cup adventure continue to fade.

June 26, 2026

Scotland Face Nervous World Cup Wait After Brazil Defeat Leaves Qualification Hopes Hanging

Scotland Face Anxious World Cup Wait After Brazil Defeat Scotland’s hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages are hanging in the balance after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil in their final Group C match. Steve Clarke’s side must now rely on results elsewhere as they look to secure one of the eight places available to the tournament’s best third-placed teams. With qualification no longer in their own hands, Scotland could be forced to wait until Sunday before discovering whether they have done enough to reach the last 32. How Can Scotland Still Qualify? Finishing third in the group does not automatically end Scotland’s World Cup campaign. Under the tournament format, the eight highest-ranked third-placed teams from the 12 groups will progress to the knockout stages. Teams are ranked first by points, with goal difference used as the next tiebreaker when sides are level. Scotland completed the group stage with three points and a goal difference of -3 after their defeat to Brazil. To qualify, Scotland need at least four third-placed teams to finish below them in the overall standings. As things stand, five third-placed sides are currently below Scotland, while another five teams are level on points. Four of those teams still have a group game remaining. Statistics provider Opta estimates that teams finishing on three points with a goal difference of -3 have a 42% chance of reaching the knockout rounds. That rises to 63% for teams with a goal difference of -2 and 84% for those on -1. Scotland’s position became more difficult after South Africa’s surprise victory over South Korea, leaving the Koreans in third place on three points with a superior goal difference. The Results Scotland Need Nine groups still have matches to be completed, meaning Scotland’s fate will be decided by results across the remainder of the group stage. The Scots need at least four of the following scenarios to go in their favour. Thursday Group E Ecuador must fail to beat Germany. Curacao must fail to beat Ivory Coast. Alternatively: Curacao can win, but only by four goals or more, provided Ecuador do not win. Group F Sweden must lose to Japan by four goals or more. Group D Paraguay and Australia both sit on three points and meet in their final group match. A draw would see both teams qualify. Scotland need: Paraguay to lose by at least two goals, or Australia to lose by four goals or more. Friday Group F Senegal and Iraq to draw. Alternatively: Iraq can beat Senegal, but only by two goals or fewer. Group H Uruguay to lose to Spain. Group G Iran to lose to Egypt. Saturday Group L Croatia to lose to Ghana by at least three goals. Group K DR Congo and Uzbekistan to draw. Alternatively: Uzbekistan can win, but only by three goals or fewer. Group J Austria and Algeria both head into their final group game on three points, with a draw enough to send both teams through. Scotland need: Algeria to lose by at least two goals, or Austria to lose by four goals or more. Waiting Game Begins Scotland’s World Cup future now rests on results elsewhere. Qualification remains possible, but a goal difference of -3 leaves little margin for error. With several groups still to conclude, Clarke’s side will need a number of favourable outcomes over the coming days if they are to reach the World Cup knockout stages for the first time.

June 25, 2026

Scotland Face World Cup Wait After Vinicius Double Sinks Clarke’s Side

Scotland’s World Cup fate hangs in the balance after a damaging 3-0 defeat to Brazil left their hopes of reaching the knockout stages out of their own hands. Steve Clarke’s side knew that avoiding defeat would almost certainly secure a place in the last 32, but a clinical Brazil performance in Miami saw Scotland finish third in Group C. With three points and a goal difference of minus three, Scotland must now wait for the remaining group matches to be completed before discovering whether they have done enough to claim one of the eight places available to the best third-placed teams. According to Opta’s post-match projections, Scotland’s chances of progressing stand at 42 per cent. However, there was little optimism among the squad after a night in which three costly defensive errors were ruthlessly punished. Brazil took the lead after Scott McKenna was dispossessed deep in his own half by Bournemouth forward Rayan, allowing Vinicius Jr to race through and round Angus Gunn before finishing into an empty net. The South Americans doubled their advantage before the break when Bruno Guimaraes delivered a cross that both Gunn and Nathan Patterson failed to deal with, leaving Vinicius Jr to head home his second goal of the evening. Any hopes of a Scotland comeback were effectively ended after half-time when Manchester United striker Mateus Cunha added a third, capping a frustrating night for Clarke’s side, who struggled to match Brazil’s quality despite their efforts. Midfielder John McGinn admitted the squad were devastated by the result and acknowledged qualification now looks a difficult prospect. “We conceded poor goals at poor moments against a team with the quality to punish you,” McGinn said. “We created a few opportunities ourselves, but now all we can do is wait. “The lads are gutted. We came up short in terms of quality, but nobody could question the effort. Everyone has given everything and we’re running on empty. “It looks unlikely, but we’ll see what happens. It’s still very raw after the game, but we’re grateful for the support we’ve had. Hopefully our journey isn’t over yet and, if we get another chance, we’ll be ready.” Head coach Steve Clarke was equally frustrated by the manner of the defeat, believing Scotland handed Brazil exactly the type of game they wanted. “We made things difficult for ourselves,” Clarke said. “We gave away the goals and we allowed them to play the game on their terms. That’s the disappointing part.” The Scotland boss praised his players for their work rate in challenging conditions but admitted mistakes at this level are often punished severely. “The effort from the players was outstanding, especially those who played the full 90 minutes in those conditions,” he added. “But if we want to compete against the best teams, we have to perform better. “We started reasonably well, moved the ball nicely in the opening minutes, and then made a mistake. Against opponents of this quality, that immediately puts you under pressure and makes it a very long evening. “If I’m being honest, I think we’re heading home. “Only Scotland could get what looked like a winnable opening match and then end up facing the fifth and sixth-ranked teams in the world.”

June 25, 2026

An Hour and a Half From History: Scotland vs Brazil Match Preview

Scotland take on Brazil in the final game of Group C on Wednesday evening at 11pm UK time, knowing a point or three at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami should guarantee automatic advancement to the round of 32. Defeat can also see Steve Clarke’s side progress with 3rd place assured thanks to the victory over Haiti meaning they are unable to leapfrog Scotland on head to head rules, although it would leave an anxious wait throughout the rest of the week to remain one of the eight best ranked third placed nations. Brazil top the group currently, having drawn with Morocco 1-1 on the first match day but creating daylight between the two on goal difference by beating Haiti 3-0 on the same day the Moroccans defeated the Scots just 1-0. The World Cup masters are now managed by Carlo Ancelotti, with the Italian being one of 26 men in the dugout of a country they are not from at this summer’s tournament. Scotland have faced Brazil at the World Cup more times than they have faced anyone else, with this week’s meeting set to be the fifth occasion the two teams compete after previously faring off against one another in 1974, 1982, 1990 and 1998. Besides a 0-0 draw in 1974, Brazil have won every other fixture by a combined score of 7-2. Yet despite only mustering three shots on target so far this summer, Scotland have a marginally higher xG than Brazil, recording 2.1 to Brazil’s 2.0. And down the other end of the park, Scotland have a xG against to 1.8 to the Brazilian’s 1.9. But if history tells us anything, it is that Brazil have a better chance of scoring on Wednesday than anyone. They have scored a record high of 241 goals in tournament history, appeared in every iteration of the World Cup, and won it five times, more than any other country. John McGinn scored Scotland’s only goal from first two games, whilst Vinicius Jr and Matheus Cunha evenly share Brazil’s four successful strikes against Morocco and Haiti. Neymar is set to play a role on Wednesday, with the Santos winger returning back to full fitness after missing the first two ties. He still holds the record for the highest transfer fee paid for one player after his move to PSG in 2017, and will be looking to add to his 8 goals scored at a FIFA World Cup. However, Scotland may be able to take some solace from the fact that Brazil’s last qualifying game ended in a 1-0 defeat to Bolivia, a side swept aside by the Scots 4-0 on U.S soil on the cusp of the tournament beginning. No Scotland side has ever made it through a group stage of any major international tournament, hoping to break their unwanted record of most World Cup campaigns without surpassing the groups this summer on the ninth attempt. It is the biggest version of the World Cup since its conception, and Scotland know they might not get a chance to redeem all those years of hurt for another 28 years if they are unable to do so this summer.

June 22, 2026

A Winning Start, Bigger Tests Lie Ahead as Scotland’s World Cup Journey Begins

History made for the Tartan Army as they celebrated their first World Cup victory in 36 years. Two crucial matches against Morocco and Brazil are up next. John McGinn was the man to make history as his goal was enough to edge out Haiti 1-0 at the Boston Stadium. It was not a particularly easy match for Steve Clarke and his side; however, Scotland sit top of Group C, starting their 2026 World Cup campaign with a vital win. Be sure to follow @snnsports_ on all social media platforms and tune into the SNN Sports Football Voices Podcast on YouTube and Spotify to keep up to date with Scotland’s World Cup journey. Steve Clarke had this to say after the victory against Haiti: “When you’re told it’s a must win game, and you win it, then the players deserve a lot of credit for that.” “I think we’re going to find that out over the next two games against two top teams. I think you’ve seen both sides of how we can play. Last week was a friendly match, but we showed we can play with the ball if we’re given time and space.” Up next for Scotland The other two nations that make up Group C are World Cup giants Brazil and a Moroccan side that has emerged as a top footballing nation in recent times. The pair played out a 1-1 draw in New Jersey on Saturday night, meaning Scotland sits top of Group C. Two huge games up next for Scotland as this coming Friday, the Tartan Army will be back at the Boston Stadium, this time taking on Morocco, who are on the hunt for their first victory in this summer’s World Cup. Morocco are ranked as the seventh best team in the world, according to FIFA, and they famously made the semi-finals of the last World Cup in Qatar three and a half years ago, ultimately losing to France. Since then, they have been crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions, albeit in a controversial fashion. The North African side poses threats from all over the park, with the likes of PSG star fullback Achraf Hakimi, a real danger going forward and Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz, who will be desperate to turn his international career around after he horrendously missed a penalty in the AFCON final earlier this year. With all due respect to Haiti, on paper, both Brazil and Morocco should come away with three points each when they face Les Grenadiers, meaning it is vital that Scotland at least come away with a draw from either Morocco or Brazil. However, Steve Clarke and the National side will be gunning for victories in their next two World Cup fixtures, both of which will be huge tests, but the Tartan Army will be hopeful that they can see their nation reach the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in their history. It is important to remember that due to the expansion of the tournament, eight of the best-placed twelve nations now qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup, giving Scotland a huge boost in terms of progressing. The whole of Scotland will gather once more this Friday night as Scotland and Morocco kicks off at 11 pm GMT. Pubs and clubs will be full once more, and hopefully, we will see similar scenes of celebrations like last weekend. The third and final match of the group stage for Scotland will take place in Miami on Wednesday, the 24th of June, against five time World Cup winners Brazil.

June 16, 2026

Haiti v Scotland – Match Preview

After a 28-year wait, Scotland kick off their World Cup campaign against Haiti, knowing three points could prove vital in their bid to reach the knockout stages. It’s Scotland’s first time back at a World Cup since France 98. For Haiti, it’s their second time on the biggest stage, the last appearance being in 1974. Haiti currently sit 83rd in the Fifa World Rankings. Their road to the World Cup was strong, topping Group C with three wins and two draws in their 6 match CONCAF qualifying campaign. And due to ongoing circumstances, the Caribbean side didn’t play a single fixture of those on home soil. They also impressed against New Zealand in a recent warm-up match, winning 4-0, although they followed up with a 2-1 defeat to Peru in their last friendly fixture. Scotland head into this match full of confidence after scoring eight goals in their last two friendlies, winning 4-1 against Curaçao and 4-0 versus Bolivia. Scotland have never progressed past the group stage in a World Cup competition. However, a win in the early hours of Sunday morning will give Steve Clarke’s side a massive boost in making history. Scott McTominay is fit for Scotland’s opener after missing training on Thursday due to an upset stomach. However, Scott McKenna misses out through a calf injury. Billy Gilmour has travelled to camp to support his teammates after his World Cup hopes were destroyed due to injury against Curaçao. Speaking before the match, Steve Clarke said: “We know it’s going to be a difficult game. “It’s the first time in 28 years that we’ve been here, and Haiti haven’t been here since 1974. They are also a proud nation, and they are going to be 100 percent committed, the same as we are. “We know they have qualities which could cause us problems, but we have to deal with those problems and then we have to bring our best game to the pitch when we have the ball. Hopefully that’s enough to win the game.” With Brazil and Morocco to come, Scotland know that a win against Haiti could be monumental in their quest to reach the knockout stages.

June 13, 2026

Top 10 Scotland Goals at the World Cup

Scotland return to the World Cup in the small hours of tonight for the first time in 28 years against Haiti. The Tartan Army have gone a generation without seeing their side add to the 25 goals scored in World Cup Finals, with the last of these coming Craig Burley in a 1-1 draw with Norway in 1998. But having qualified with the help of a gravity-defying Scott McTominay overhead kick, a Kieran Tierney strike that curled as quick as an F1 motor, and Kenny McLean’s effort that travelled half the length of Hampden, there is every chance this squad breaks into this list of top ten goals scored by the Scottish national team at World Cup Finals. 10. Graeme Souness vs Soviet Union, 1982 Scotland captain Graeme Souness scored his first goal for the national side in a 2-2 draw with the Soviet Union in Espana ’82. He picks up the ball 40 yards from goal, drives forward and jinks past one Soviet defender, before drilling the ball accurately into the bottom left corner from outside the box. 9. John Wark vs New Zealand, 1982 In the opening game of the aforementioned 1982 campaign, John Wark netted twice in as many minutes as Scotland thrashed New Zealand 5-2. This entry is Wark’s second of the match, as he met Gordon Strachan’s floated cross with a powerful diving header to help give Scotland lift-off in Malaga. 8. Craig Burley vs Norway, 1998 The final goal, as of yet, to be scored at the World Cup from a Scotland player. Former Chelsea and Celtic midfielder Craig Burley chased a ball over the top and delicately lobbed the ball into the Norway net to bag what was the final goal of a 1-1 draw. The group in France was also made up with this year’s opponents Morocco and Brazil. 7. Peter Lorimer vs Zaire, 1974 Scotland kicked off the 1974 tournament with a 2-0 win over Zaire (now D.R Congo) in a campaign they ended unbeaten but would not progress in because of goal difference. Joe Jordan headed the ball to Peter Lorimer at the edge of the penalty area, who caught it on the volley and found the top right corner to give Scotland the opener. 6. John Robertson vs New Zealand, 1982 From the same game as Wark’s header, Nottingham Forest legend John Robertson ended hopes of a New Zealand comeback with a free-kick just outside the box, curled excellently into the top left to give Scotland a 4-2 lead, before Steve Archibald completed the rout later on. 5. Kenny Dalglish vs Netherlands, 1978 It was about time the record goalscorer made this list. Kenny Dalglish contributed to a very famous win over Holland in ’78. Joe Jordan leaped up to put the ball across the penalty box much like he did four years prior, and King Kenny was unmarked, unleashing a rocket of a half-volley beyond the Dutch goalkeeper high into the right of the goal. 4. Kenny Dalglish vs New Zealand, 1982 When you score as many goals for Scotland as the King has, you run the risk of making this list twice. However, a lot of this goal’s value is down to the assist from Strachan. The former Scotland gaffer used his blistering pace to teleport into the box, before passing to Dalglish who lifted it in the goal on the slide just at the corner of the six-yard box. 3. Gordon Strachan vs West Germany, 1986 And the winger never just set them up, he could score them as well. He evaded the German backline and got onto the end of a through ball from Roy Aitken, hitting it first time across the goal into the top left to give Scotland a lead against West Germany for all of five minutes, before succumbing to an eventual 2-1 defeat. 2. David Narey vs Brazil, 1982 Another famous opener in an eventual defeat, coincidentally scored 18 minutes in like Strachan’s vs West Germany, Dundee United hero David Narey gave Scotland the lead with a stunning attempt from Narey from outside the box. He picks the ball up narrowly with his left foot, then fires it like a missile with his right into the same side of the net, before the Brazilians found their rhythm and won 4-1. 1. Archie Gemmill vs Netherlands, 1978 Arguably the most iconic Scotland goal until that night against Denmark in November, but without a doubt the most iconic Scottish goal at the World Cup. Archie Gemmill scored his second in a famous 3-2 win, picking the ball up on the right flank, skipping passed three Dutch defenders with ease, and lifting the ball so calmly over the despairing Netherlands goalkeeper to write his name in Scottish World Cup history.

June 13, 2026

‘HAW YOU, TIME TO GET UP!’- Tennents enlists Scotland legends to wake fans for historic World Cup opener

As Scotland prepare for their first World Cup match in 28 years, Tennents Lager have launched a unique campaign designed to make sure supporters don’t miss a second of the action. Steve Clarke’s side are set to kick off their World Cup campaign against Haiti at 2AM UK time and many fans are facing a dilemma. Do you stay up all night, or do you set numerous alarms to catch one of the most anticipated moments in Scottish football history? If it’s the second option, Tennents have you covered. The brewery have teamed up with Scotland Assistant Manager Steven Naismith, World Cup hero Gordon Durie and current midfielder Ryan Christie to create a series of downloadable World Cup wake-up calls that fans can use on the night of the big match. Each Scottish football icon delivers a rallying cry aimed at getting supporters out of bed and ready for kick-off. Naismith’s unmistakable message of “Haw you! Time to get up!” is joined by Gordon Durie’s classic “Get OOT your bed!” While Ryan Christie sends an enthusiastic “Come on!” from the United States as Scotland prepare for their long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage. The campaign celebrates a moment that generations of Scotland fans have waited almost three decades to experience. While thousands are making the journey to Boston, millions more will be supporting from home, pubs and fan zones across the country. The wake-up calls, accompanied by animated social media content are available through Tennents’ digital channels and can be downloaded directly for use as phone alarms. Tennents’ initiative is aimed at ensuring supporters are ready for the “Hampden Roar, not the Hampden snore” as Scotland begin their quest for World Cup glory. For many supporters, the unusual kick-off time presents a challenge. But with some of Scottish football’s most recognisable voices now handling alarm clock duties, sleeping through the biggest Scotland game in a generation should no longer be an excuse. After 28 long years, Scotland fans won’t want to hit snooze on history.

June 10, 2026

“It is Testament to How Far This Team Has Come” – McKenna Praises Scottish Togetherness Factor

Scotland defender Scott McKenna hailed the unity of the current crop of players within the national setup as a big factor in the squad’s qualification for the World Cup. The 29-year-old played the first half of his nation’s 4-1 home win over Curacao, making him one cap shy of his 50th. Having made his debut amongst inexperienced internationalists in 2018, McKenna feels the creation of a team has been paramount to Scotland’s qualifiers success. He said: “When we went to Peru and Mexico [in 2018], we were the team playing in a send off for them, and when we were playing Mexico, I think between the starting 11 we had less than 30 caps. “And I think now, we’d struggle to find anyone in our starting 11 with less than 30 caps, so it’s a sign of how far this team’s coming in terms of togetherness. The gaffer [Steve Clarke] has also been very loyal to us, trying to build that squad feeling. “The group has really grown since then [Mexico], in terms of getting that winning mentality, finding a way to win. Even during this last qualifying campaign, we were terrible in games, [such as] Belarus at home. “They are the sort of games in the past we might not have won but we managed to grind through it and find a way to win. So yeah, it is testament to how far this team has come.” McKenna, who was part of both squads for the 2021 and 2024 European Championships, believes that this summer is a perfect platform to erase the disappointments from those campaigns and progress from the group stage. “Of course we can [qualify], of course we can. But that is the test that everyone is setting us just now, we need to try and rise to that challenge. “I don’t think there is any doubt in that at all [that the squad could have given a better account of themselves at previous tournaments]. “I think the start to the last campaign made it difficult, a point to Switzerland gave ourselves a chance, and then the last day we just didn’t quite do enough to give ourselves any chances really. “But we’re going there to definitely try do better.” The Dinamo Zagreb defender, who comes into this tournament off the back of a Croatian league and cup double, also feels that the Croatian culture towards football has helped the nation develop into a one of Europe’s most competitive sides, despite having a similar population pool to Scotland. “In Croatia, certainly Dinamo, they just keep bringing players through the academy. “The conveyer belt they keep producing, there’s no club in Scotland that has produced anything like that, and I think population wise, we’re much the same. “Maybe [it is] a culture thing as well? But yeah, hopefully I can go into the academy, watch a few sessions and see what their process is because they definitely know how to do it properly.”

May 31, 2026

“I Think He Can” – McLean Backs Shankland to Make Number 9 Jersey His Own

Scotland midfielder Kenny McLean believes Lawrence Shankland has what it takes to be the main man for the country at this summer’s World Cup. The 30-year-old scored twice in Scotland’s 4-1 win over Curacao at Barclays Hampden, with new club teammate at Rangers Findlay Curtis and Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie scoring either side of his double. And Norwich player of the season McLean feels the striker has staked his claim to lead the Scottish line in America. McLean said: “I think he can [be Scotland’s starting striker]. “Again he showed a clinic in finishing, that’s what he’s always done no matter where he’s been. “He was at a level where he was way better than for a long time, he’s now done really well at Hearts, got his move to Rangers. “I think he’s got so much more to give again, I think he’ll improve again. He’s so much more than goals but that’s what you want from a striker. It’s obviously great for his confidence, which helps us.” The pair played together at Aberdeen and despite Shankland never netting in the Granite City, McLean could see glimpses of the striker he has became back then. “He was similar to what he is [now], he’s always been what he is. “I think people would have saw him at Ayr and Dundee United and stuff like that, he’s always been that player, so you know what you’re getting from Lawrence and that’s going to be between the sticks. “I think over the last couple of years he has brought so much more to his game, and he has obviously with Hearts dropped into the ten and played with [Claudio] Braga. “He links the team so well, and again it’s something else that the manager can look at, to play him with somebody else, but between the sticks he’s ruthless, and that’s what you want from a striker.” Manager Steve Clarke signed a four-year contract extension with Scotland before the friendly with Curacao, and McLean is delighted that any speculation surrounding his future in the summer has been put to bed. “I think in every interview you see from the players, you know exactly what we think of the manager. We’ve been together a long time, we’ve achieved a lot. “Over the moon for him to still be here for that length of time, but it’s not been spoken out really within the squad. We’re just happy that he’s here for now, we knew he was going to be here for the summer, that was the main focus. “Obviously to get that sorted, it’s amazing for everybody because as I said, everybody’s got the same opinion on the manager, I’m sure.” The Scotland squad jetted off to the USA today ahead of their final pre-tournament friendly against Bolivia on Saturday, before kicking-off the country’s first World Cup match in 28 years against Haiti at 2am UK time on June 14th.

May 31, 2026