Scotland

Scotland return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998, drawn into Group C alongside Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti. After a 28-year absence from the World Cup, the Tartan Army finally have their moment — even if the group draw is brutal.

Brazil and Morocco are among the strongest teams in the tournament. Haiti, returning after 52 years, are the most beatable opponent. Scotland's path to the knockout rounds likely requires maximum points against Haiti and a result against either Brazil or Morocco.

Why this group matters: Scottish football has endured decades of near-misses and heartbreak. Qualifying for 2026 ended the longest World Cup drought in the nation's modern history. The Tartan Army deserve this — and they will make the most of every second.

The Haiti opener is a must-win. Morocco on Matchday 2 is where Scotland's fate will likely be decided. Brazil on Matchday 3 is a celebration for the Tartan Army — and a chance for the biggest upset imaginable.

Scotland have appeared in 8 FIFA World Cups:

• Best finish: Group stage (every appearance). Scotland have never advanced past the group stage in any World Cup.
• 1978: The most famous (and painful) Scotland World Cup. Ally MacLeod's team arrived in Argentina with enormous expectations, lost to Peru and Iran, and were eliminated despite beating the Netherlands 3-2 in a famous match.
• 1998: Scotland's last World Cup appearance. They lost the opening match of the tournament to Brazil 2-1 (with a Tom Boyd own goal), drew with Norway, and lost to Morocco. Eliminated on goal difference.
• 28-year drought: Scotland failed to qualify for the World Cup in 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 — a source of immense frustration for a proud football nation.
• Euro returns: Scotland returned to major tournaments at Euro 2020 (held in 2021) and Euro 2024, showing the program was rebuilding.

The curse of Scottish World Cup football is well-documented: always competitive, always close, always eliminated in the group. The expanded 48-team format gives Scotland their best chance to finally break through.

Steve Clarke has been Scotland's manager since 2019 and is responsible for ending the tournament drought. His pragmatic, organized approach has transformed Scotland from perennial underachievers into genuine competitors.

Clarke plays a 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 that maximizes Scotland's defensive solidity while allowing Robertson and the wing-backs to provide width. The system relies on McTominay and McGinn's box-to-box contributions and Che Adams' pressing to create turnovers in dangerous areas.

Scotland under Clarke will not try to outplay Brazil or Morocco in open football. They will be compact, disciplined, and dangerous on the counter and from set pieces. Against Haiti, expect Scotland to take the initiative and press higher.

The Tartan Army is one of the most beloved supporter groups in world football — famous not just for their passion but for their friendliness, humor, and ability to turn any city into a party.

• Tartan Army tradition: Scottish fans travel in kilts, face paint, and a sea of navy blue. They are known for befriending rival fans, cleaning up after themselves, and creating an atmosphere that combines fierce support with genuine warmth.
• Euro 2024 in Munich: The Tartan Army took over central Munich with an estimated 200,000 Scottish fans. Expect a similar takeover in Los Angeles for the 2026 World Cup.
• "Flower of Scotland": The national anthem, sung by 50,000 passionate Scots, produces one of the most spine-tingling moments in sport. Hearing it at a World Cup again after 28 years will be emotional.
• Pub culture: Scotland-watching is a communal, pub-based experience. Expect packed pubs across Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Scottish communities worldwide.

Why to watch if you are a casual fan: The Tartan Army are worth the price of admission alone. Scottish fans are the most likeable supporters in world football — passionate without being aggressive, funny, warm, and totally committed. The emotional weight of a 28-year wait makes Scotland's matches appointment television. And if they somehow beat Brazil, it would be the greatest story in World Cup history.

Scotland need to beat Haiti and take points from Morocco to have any chance of advancing. The expanded format (third-place teams can qualify) works in their favor.

Prediction: Group stage exit, narrowly. Scotland will beat Haiti and compete hard against Morocco but ultimately fall short of advancing. A draw against Morocco would put them in contention for a best-third-place spot. The group is simply too strong for Scotland to finish in the top two, but the Tartan Army will ensure every match feels like a final.