Scotland’s 2026 World Cup qualifying opponents confirmed as FIFA finalise European groups

Scotland have discovered their opponents for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after FIFA conducted the European draw on Friday.

Steve Clarke’s men were allotted into Pot 3 of the draw after results in the Nations League did not go their way.

Scotland beat Poland in their final Nations League clash but also needed either Czech Republic or Slovakia to slip up to gain a Pot 2 spot.

That wasn’t to be, so Scotland found themselves facing a more difficult World Cup qualifying draw.

The 2026 World Cup will take place in the USA, Canada and Mexico as Scotland aim to reach the finals for the first time since 1998.

Not The Old Firm detail Scotland’s qualifying group and opponents below.

Scotland’s 2026 World Cup qualifying group

54 teams were drawn out of the bowls for the European section. Scotland were in Pot 3 and have been placed into Group C consisting of four teams. They will come up against:

• Portugal or Denmark* (Pot 1)
• Greece (Pot 2)
• Belarus (Pot 4)

*Losers of the two-legged Nations League quarter-final match between Portugal & Denmark which takes place in March 2025

16 UEFA nations will qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals and if Scotland finish first in Group C, they will progress to the finals automatically.

If Scotland finish second in Group C, they will advance to the 2026 World Cup play-offs. This will consist of a two-legged semi-final and a one-off final. Four teams from the play-offs will qualify for the finals.

When are Scotland’s World Cup qualifying fixtures?

We know Scotland will play their fixtures against Portugal/Denmark, Greece and Belarus across three international windows.

These are September 4-9, October 9-14 and November 13-18. Exact fixture dates are yet to be finalised by FIFA/UEFA.

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