SCOTLAND

Scotland is a nine-time World Cup participant that has never advanced past the group stage. At the 2026 World Cup, Scotland plays in Group C against Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti. Head coach Steve Clarke has been in charge since 2019 (a tenure record); under him, Scotland has qualified for three consecutive tournaments — Euro 2020, Euro 2024, and the 2026 World Cup (the first since 1998). The leaders: Scott McTominay (Napoli), Andy Robertson (Liverpool, captain), John McGinn, Billy Gilmour.

Scotland is a pioneer of world football. The first international match in history was Scotland-England on November 30, 1872, in Glasgow (0:0). The national team is a FIFA founder, played at eight World Cups through 1998, and never escaped the group stage. The most painful moment came at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina: Scotland arrived as a group favorite, lost to Peru 1:3, drew 1:1 with Iran, then beat the Netherlands (future finalists) 3:2 — but didn't advance on goal difference. The 28-year gap to 2026 became the longest in the team's history.

Qualifying came through the play-offs. Clarke won a crucial match against Denmark in Glasgow: Scott McTominay scored an overhead kick in the first minute — a goal that became the symbol of the campaign. In Group C the main rival is Morocco (the Qatar bronze finalists). Matches are in Boston, Boston, and Miami. The group closes with a match against Brazil on June 24 — the highlight event.

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