World Cup 2026 Archives - Page 2 of 3

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

World Cup Round-Up: The Key Moments So Far

As we approach the end of the second round of group-stage fixtures, here are some of the key talking points we have learned from the World Cup so far. Eloy Room’s goalkeeping masterclass – The 37-year-old keeper produced an outstanding performance against Ecuador, totalling a record-equalling 15 regulation time saves to gain Curacao’s first ever point at a World Cup. The only goalkeeper to equal Room’s tally, was Tim Howard against Belgium in 2014. Fearless Cape Verde – Cape Verde has emerged as one of the surprise packages of the tournament so far. The Island Nation held both Spain and Uruguay to draws, giving them a great opportunity to progress to the knockout stages, as the play Saudi Arabia on Friday evening. Turkey heading home – Turkey’s World Cup campaign has been horrendous to say the least. Two defeats from two against Australia and Paraguay leaves one of the tournaments “Dark Horses” bottom of Group D. Japan continue to impress – Japan have been impressive. After an important point against the Netherlands, they ran relentless against Tunisia, winning 4-0, giving themselves a great opportunity to progress into the next round. Host Nations – Mexico, USA and Canada all top their group, with Mexico and USA already guaranteed to play in the round of 32. Mexico haven’t conceded a goal, while the USA and Canada have ran rampant in recent fixtures, accumulating 13 goals between them after two fixtures. A strong start from the host nations, but how far can they go? Established Morocco – After a fantastic World Cup in 2022, Morocco have continued to impress on the world’s biggest stage. They held Brazil to a point in their opening game before defeating Scotland 1-0 to put themselves in a strong position. Ismael Saibari being the standout performer for 2022’s Semi-Finalist’s. England of to strong start – England have started their World Cup campaign strongly. After dismantling Croatia in the second-half last Wednesday evening, Thomas Tuchel’s side will have lots of confidence going into Tuesday’s fixture against Ghana. Although there were defensive problems in the first half, England’s attacking talent flourished. With Harry Kane at the double, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford were also on the scoresheet.

June 22, 2026

John Spencer warns Morocco are “dynamite” ahead of World Cup challenge

Former Scotland striker John Spencer has warned that Morocco national football team will pose a serious threat at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, describing the North African side as “brilliant” and “dynamite” after analysing their recent performances. Speaking on the SNN Sports Football Voices Podcast, Spencer said Morocco’s rise in international football has made them one of the most dangerous teams in the competition, particularly given their consistency in major tournaments in recent years. He pointed to their run to the semi-finals at the last World Cup and their narrow miss in continental success, including a strong showing at the Africa Cup of Nations. “This is a monster group. Morocco are a brilliant team, by the way,” Spencer said. “Very unlucky not to win the Africa Cup of Nations, got to the final. Semi-finalists four years ago.” Spencer also highlighted Morocco’s attacking quality in wide areas, singling out Brahim Díaz as a key creative force capable of unlocking defences at the highest level. “They don’t have, on paper, a consistent number nine,” he noted, “but their other attacking players, right and left, Brahim Díaz at Madrid, a magnificent player.” The former striker added that Morocco’s recent form suggests they are arriving at the tournament in strong shape, referencing a dominant performance in a recent friendly. “I watched their highlights. Dynamite,” he said. Despite acknowledging a potential lack of a traditional out-and-out striker, Spencer insisted Morocco’s overall attacking balance and technical quality make them a difficult opponent for any side. “And I tell you what, we’re in for a tough… it’s going to be a tough group,” he added.

June 16, 2026

Scotland edge Haiti to end long World Cup wait with opening victory

Scotland national football team marked their long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a hard-fought 1–0 win over Haiti in Group C, as John McGinn’s deflected strike secured all three points in Foxborough. The victory ended a 28-year absence from the tournament and delivered Scotland’s first World Cup win since 1990, when they defeated Sweden. In a tightly contested match at Boston Stadium, Scotland made the breakthrough in the 28th minute. Midfielder John McGinn saw his effort take a decisive deflection off a Haiti defender, wrong-footing goalkeeper Johny Placide and sending the travelling support into celebration. Speaking after the match, McGinn highlighted the impact of the supporters in a moment of national significance. “When it went into the back of the net, you could feel the Scotland fans,” he said. The result gave Steve Clarke’s side an ideal start to the group stage, particularly after Brazil and Morocco played out a 1–1 draw in the other fixture, leaving Scotland top of Group C after the opening round. Steve Clarke, who has previously spoken about his mixed experiences at major tournaments, saw his side deliver a more composed and disciplined performance on the world stage this time around. Midfielder Lewis Ferguson said the priority was simply securing the points. “We came here to get three points. We did and now we move on,” he said. For Scotland, the result represents more than just an opening win—it is a statement of intent on their long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage.

June 16, 2026

Colin Hendry reflects on Scotland’s World Cup return and urges belief in new generation

Colin Hendry reflects on Scotland’s World Cup return and urges belief in new generation Former Scotland captain Colin Hendry has described the country’s long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup as “a great honour”, while expressing confidence that Steve Clarke’s side can progress further under revised qualification rules. Scotland are set to feature at the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, marking a significant moment for a national side that last appeared on the global stage during Hendry’s own playing era, when he led the team as captain. Reflecting on that experience, Hendry admitted it remains difficult to fully articulate what representing his country at that level meant to him. “It was such a great honour for me, without a shadow of a doubt,” he said. The former centre-back, who skippered Scotland at their last World Cup appearance, said the achievement still stands as one of the defining moments of his career, even as he now looks on from the sidelines at a new generation preparing to take on the tournament. Hendry also pointed to changes in the modern qualification and playoff structure, suggesting they may offer Scotland a better platform to progress than in previous eras. “The laws have changed, the rules have changed a wee bit to benefit those teams making the playoff stages,” he said, adding that he believes Scotland can take advantage of that opportunity. Despite the challenges of competing on the world stage, Hendry expressed optimism about the current squad’s chances, backing them to make an impact once the tournament begins. “I really do think Scotland will make it this time,” he said. “Fingers crossed.”

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

World Cup: Young prospects to keep an eye on

With the World Cup upon us, here are some potential young prospects playing at this years tournament. Group A: Hugo Sochurek (17) – Czech Republic At 17 years old, Hugo Sochurek is the youngest player included in the Czech squad and recently became the youngest player to represent the nation. The midfielder has represented Czech at U17 and U19 level and has made 1 appearance for the senior team. The youngster made ten appearance for Sparta Prague last campaign, where he picked up 2 assists. The midfielder is active in regaining possession and capable of covering a lot of ground. He is very mature with the ball at his feet, smart under pressure and thrives in progressive runs and dribbles. Gilberto Mora (17) – Mexico The attacking midfielder, who is set to become the youngest player to represent Mexico at a World Cup, has represented Mexico 9 times. The youngster has already played 53 competitive matches at club level in the Mexican first division for Tijuana, bagging ten goals. The youngster does have previous tournament experience, having played in the U20 World Cup, where he started five games, scored three goals and provided two assists. Mbekezeli Mbokazi (20) – South Africa Mbokazi is a young central defender who made his professional debut in early 2025 for Orlando Pirates in the MLS, and became a key player, captaining the side at a very young age. The left-footed defender now plays for Chicago Fire, where he has played fourteen matches. For South Africa, Mbokazi, in total, has made ten appearances, with four of those coming in the Africa Cup of Nations. Jens Castrop (22) – South Korea Castrop, who played for Germany at various youth levels before switching to South Korea in August last year, is a versatile player, making him a useful asset to this South Korea side. The 22-year-old, who has played mostly in the middle on the international stage and at full-back for Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach, started twenty Bundesliga matches last campaign, where he made 58 tackles, better than 91 percent of Bundesliga fullbacks, despite not starting in fourteen of the thirty four Bundesliga matches. Castrop, should he feature, will make his first competitive international appearance. He has featured in seven games for South Korea, all coming in friendlies. Group B: Kerim Alajbegovic (18) – Bosnia The 18-year-old striker who currently plays in Austria has found the net 13 times this campaign for RB Salzburg, currently rated as one of the brightest prospects for Bosnia. The former Bayer Leverkusen youth product has been known for his pace and technical ability, as well as that, he can play down both wings as well behind the striker and is known for his goals which will be highly beneficial this World Cup. Mladen Jurkas (18) – Bosnia A very late call-up for the teenager as it comes a shock for the Borac Banja Luka keeper. It’s been an eventful year for the keeper as just one-year-ago, he was just starting to gain first-team action in Bosnia’s second tier and now, he’s off to a World Cup. The young keeper kept 16 clean sheets last season, after making his debut at just 17 for Borac which gained him a spot in the reserve list but an injury to Osman Hadzikic saw the teenager called upon to feature at the World Cup. The keeper has only ever been capped at both U17 and U21 level with this being his very first senior call-up and what a chance this may be for the 18-year-old. Niko Sigur (22) – Canada The right-back who has looked very solid over in Croatia this season for Hajduk Split may be one to watch. Although, Alistair Johnston looks to be the man to start, Sigur could be a decent option off the bench if needed and as we know, Johnston hasn’t had an easy season at Celtic, with injuries impacting his season. Sigur can also play as a defensive midfielder has shown he is full on energy and can bring pace to the full-back options in which he reads the game to perfection and can time a challenge brilliantly which would come in handy for Canada which is a great option if they need him off the bench. Johan Manzambi (20) – Switzerland The Freiburg midfielder has had an impressive season in Germany this season, netting seven times with six assists for a player who is naturally a defensive midfielder. Johan can also play all across the midfield, including helping out on both flanks and has done it well this season as well as helping his side to the Europa League final, losing out to Aston Villa. He has shown that he is very capable and is a very powerful and dynamic midfielder who intercepts danger which will be crucial for this tournament. Johan has made it very hard to beat and is very good in keeping the ball and in possession which will be a gift to the Switzerland side and will be crucial to any success Switzerland have. Group C Endrick (19) – Brazil Endrick, aged 19, enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Lyon last season, which has earned him a World Cup call up. The forward, who can play off the right and through the middle, chipped in with 16 goal contributions in 21 matches (8 goals, 8 assists). Endrick has made 16 appearances for the national team, scoring 3 goals. In Brazil’s final preparation match ahead of this year’s tournament, Endrick came off the bench and netted, in a 2-1 win against Egypt, giving Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti food for thought going into their opening match against Morocco. Rayan (19) – Brazil The young forward, who is primarily a right winger, joined Bournemouth near the end of January, and has most definitely impressed. The 19-year-old made 15 appearances, scored 5 and provided 2 assists. The Brazilian recently reached 10 goal contributions for clubs and national team in 2026. For Brazil, Rayan recently played in

June 10, 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

Letters That Unite by FIFA: Andrew Robertson letter from Rute Cardoso

03/06/25, Diogo Jota unfortunately passed away in a fatal car crash, and his wife Rute Cordoso wrote this letter to his former teammate, Andrew Robertson. Rute Cardoso wrote a very heart warming letter to former team mate of Jota, Andrew Robertson as the Scott prepares for his upcoming World Cup in the USA. She said: “Andy, I’m writing to you with a heart full of longing gratitude and above all pride. Diogo (Jota) often spoke of you of the friendship you built. The battles you fought together, the challenges, the laughter, the conversations about football and about dreams. The FIFA World Cup was one of those dreams, a dream that the two of you nurtured side by side with the same passion with which you took to the pitch. When I heard your words and learnt what you felt on that day when Scotland qualified for the FIFA World Cup after so many years of waiting, I realised that Diogo never truly left the pitch. By achieving that moment and securing your place at the FIFA World Cup, you won’t be going alone; you’ll be taking his dream with you too and when you step onto the pitch, I know it won’t be just you walking out — Diogo will be with you in your thoughts, in your steps, in your heart.” Rute Cardoso can’t thank Robertson enough for being that perfect teammate to Jota, always being there for Diogo and always remembering Jota and being a big help for the family and want’s Robertson to fully live his World Cup dream with Scotland. She added: “So today I want to thank you. Thank you for not forgetting him. Thank you for taking him with you. Thank you for turning the pain of loss into strength and into something so beautiful. That’s how we do it here at home too, every day. He would be — and is — incredibly proud of you. Cherish that dream, Andy. Live it for yourself and for him. With love, gratitude and all my support, Rute Cardoso.” Andrew Robertson was amazed by the heart whelming letter by Cardoso and can’t explain how good of a person Rute is and how much the letter means to him, with the fact that letter will always remain by his side forever. Speaking with FIFA, Robertson said: “It’s obviously amazing of Rute to even take the time, you know, for what she’s going through, to write me a letter — but it just sums up the person that she is. Thankfully, I got to know her and the amazing times that they had. Obviously, I’d been to their wedding, celebrated trophies with her and Jots. But yeah, and obviously I’ve seen how heartbroken we all were, but in particular her, when obviously Jots left us. Just, thank you. That letter, you know, will stay with me for a very long time. And we’ve just got to carry him with us. We will always make sure that his name will never be forgotten, that his memories will always be cherished like Rute says in there — the dreams that we’d shared of trying to be at the FIFA World Cup. Obviously, the 2022 FIFA World Cup was when me and Jots really became close. He missed out because of injury. Obviously, Scotland never qualified. And I think we just spoke so much about what it would mean to us both to be at the next FIFA World Cup, and that was the aim for both of us: to get to America. And, yeah, obviously, I’m just gutted that, you know, that was taken away from him. But I think, you know, obviously I’ll carry him in my heart, and I know he’ll be with me come the first game, come the second game, come the third game, and, you know, hopefully beyond that. And, yeah, he’s always there. He’s always something we think about. The memories are always something that we bring up and sometimes laugh, sometimes cry. And, you know, I think that will be no different — especially going into a tournament which is full of emotion. I know he’ll be right at the front of my mind. And, yeah, but I’m not only just playing for me, I’m playing for both of us.” Diogo Jota will forever be missed dearly within the football community and remembered fondly. Gone but never forgotten. WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_zhL2HJtJY&t=31s

June 8, 2026

All SPFL Players at the FIFA World Cup 2026

Twenty-one players who played in Scotland last season will be at this summer’s World Cup, representing thirteen different nations. Scotland unsurprisingly have the lion’s share of SPFL players with eight, as the Tartan Army are set to travel in their thousands to witness their country play at the World Cup for the first time since 1998. GROUP A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia Only one Scottish league player makes the plane for a Group A nation and that is Hyun-jun Yang of Celtic. The 24-year-old, who has been capped by South Korea eight times already and will be joined by former club teammate Hyeon-gyu Oh, was named as the champion’s Young Player of the Year after notching 10 goals and 3 assists. Celtic loanee Julian Araujo made Mexico’s provisional squad, but misses out with an injury. GROUP B: Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland Celtic’s Alistair Johnston and Rangers on-loan defender Derek Cornelius make Jesse Marsch’s Canadian squad for the tournament. Johnston signed for Celtic on the back of an impressive showing in Qatar in 2022, whilst Cornelius did not feature for Rangers since November following an injury and reported fallout with Danny Rohl. Former Ibrox pair Nikola Katic and Cedric Itten will travel over with Bosnia & Herzegovina and Switzerland respectively, and Johnston and Cornelius will be joined by Liam Millar, who had a loan spell with Kilmarnock before covid. GROUP C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland Only Scotland have SPFL representation from this group, with Craig Gordon, Liam Kelly, Grant Hanley, Kieran Tierney, Anthony Ralston, John Souttar, Findlay Curtis, and Lawrence Shankland making Steve Clarke’s final cut. Ex-Celtic hero Odsonne Edouard declined the opportunity to play for Haiti after a remarkable return in his debut season at RC Lens in Ligue 1, whilst Lille summer signing from Rangers Hamza Igamane had his season ended prematurely at AFCON with Morocco. GROUP D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Turkiye America’s Austin Trusty of Celtic and Australia’s Cammy Devlin of Hearts will face off against each other potentially for the first time since the dramatic climax to the Premiership campaign which seen Trusty’s side snatch the title from Hearts’ grasp. Trusty will be joined by former Celtic and Rangers loanees Timothy Weah and Malik Tillman, whilst Devlin will be accompanied by a plethora of former SPFL talents, such as Tete Yengi, Jackson Irvine, Harry Souttar (brother of Scotland’s John), Aziz Behich, and also Scottish born defender Cameron Burgess. Hibs’ forward Martin Boyle was a late removal from the final squad. GROUP E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador There are no active players from the SPFL in this group, but Curacao are managed by ex-Rangers gaffer Dick Advocaat, and his squad includes Juninho Bacuna, who had a quiet six months in Govan during the 21/22 campaign. Ivory Coast will have Amad Diallo at their disposal, who was on loan at Rangers in 2022 when they made the Europa League final. GROUP F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia Celtic teammates Benjamin Nygren and Sebastian Tounekti will face off against each other when Sweden go head to head with Tunisia in the opening round of fixtures, before both come up against a Japan side with fellow club teammate Daizen Maeda amongst its stars. Three former Parkhead centre backs also feature in this group, with Gustaf Lagerbielke and Carl Starfelt potentially pairing beside each other for Sweden, and the Netherlands will have Virgil Van Dijk at the back captaining their side. GROUP G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin will come up against Motherwell starlet Elijah Just will face each other when Belgium take on New Zealand. Raskin makes the Belgian squad for his first international tournament after making his debut in March last year, as does Just despite amassing over 40 caps for New Zealand already. GROUP H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay No SPFL players make will appear in Group H. Marcelo Saracchi of Celtic did not make Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay squad, though he did captain them on his return from the international wilderness in a 1-0 friendly win over Dominican Republic in October last year. GROUP I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway Rangers’ Thelo Aasgaard will be in Norway’s camp for the summer with former Celtic centre-back Kristoffer Ajer. Dundee United’s Dario Naamo had been named in Iraq’s provisional squad after switching his allegiance from Finland, but was cut from the final selection. GROUP J: Argentina, Jordan, Algeria, Austria There is no link to the Scottish game in this group besides former St. Mirren trialist and Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez who fled the country whilst on Paisley because it was too cold. Mahrez’s teammate Fares Ghedjemis is also in squad, after a move to Celtic failed to materialise in January. GROUP K: Portugal, DR Congo, Colombia, Uzbekistan Kilmarnock’s Aaron Tshibola is in line to play against Cristiano Ronaldo as part of the DR Congo setup. The 31-year-old resigned for Killie in February for a third time, and played 14 times as Neil McCann’s men secured their Premiership status for another season. GROUP L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama Another group with no direct links to the SPFL, although the England squad does include three players who were once upon a time eligible for the Scotland squad – Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento and of course Elliot Anderson who was named in one of Steve Clarke’s squads in 2023, before pulling out due to injury.

June 2, 2026