2026 World Cup qualifying draw: ‘No extra motivation required’ for Scotland – Clarke

Scotland manager Steve Clarke says reaching a World Cup is one of his “main remaining ambitions” after his side were drawn against Greece, Belarus and either Portugal or Denmark in their 2026 qualifying group.

The Scots last featured at a World Cup tournament in 1998 under Craig Brown’s management.

The group winner will progress to the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States, with the runner-up entering the play-offs, which will feature semi-finals and finals.

Scotland are in Group C, and fixtures will be played between September and November 2025.

“When I spoke after the tournament in the summer, I said that one of my main remaining ambitions is to go to a World Cup with my country,” Clarke said.

“These qualifying games give me an opportunity to do that and I’m going to give it everything I’ve got and I’m sure my players will do the same.

“It was a difficult year but we finished it well. We showed that we can compete against the top teams and that’s what we will have to do if we want to get to the World Cup.

“The players are desperate to do well for their country and I think the supporters appreciate that.

“1998 was a long time ago and when it comes to World Cups, there’s no extra motivation required. The squad is full of players who want to go to the World Cup so now is the time to do it.”

On the other nations drawn in Group C, Clarke insists there is nothing to fear, including their Pot 1 opponents, be it Portugal or Denmark.

“We know the Pot 1 game is going to be difficult but I think we’ve shown over the past few games that we can handle teams at that level,” Clarke said.

“We will now play Greece four times in 2025 so we’ll get to know them very well and the March games now take on a slightly different meaning, with both teams having a close look at each other ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

“Belarus is a team we’re not quite as familiar with but by the time we play them they will be a team we make sure we know everything about. For me it’s about getting to know their players, getting to know their tactics and hopefully we can take the points that we require.”