Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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WILL SCOTLAND PLAY IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP?
Scotland is synonymous with passion, history, and footballing pride. However, their absence from the World Cup has been a thorn in the side of their fans. Since 1998, the Scots haven't been able to say, "We're in the World Cup!", although in recent years the team has shown signs of a resurgence. With a competitive generation, a manager who has rediscovered their identity, and a broader format heading into 2026, the big question is: Will Scotland play in the 2026 World Cup? We analyze their chances, interesting facts, and what they need to achieve it.
The return of a long-awaited dream
It has been almost three decades since Scotland played in its last World Cup, in France in 1998. Since then, it has experienced frustrations, agonizing eliminations, and generations that promised much but fell short. However, the outlook for 2026 is different. The increase in the number of teams to 48 and the team's growth under Steve Clarke have given hope back to the Tartan Army, that loyal fanbase that paints the stands blue wherever their team plays. A history full of pride and disappointments. Scotland has played in eight World Cups (the first in 1954), and although they have never made it past the group stage, their history is marked by memorable performances. In Argentina 1978, they drew with the Netherlands, the eventual runners-up, with that legendary goal by Archie Gemmill. However, inconsistency and a lack of decisiveness at key moments have always worked against them. World Cup Appearances: 8. Last World Cup played: France 1998. Best result: Group stage (8 times). Goals scored in World Cups: 25. Despite not having achieved great international success, Scotland has always been a tenacious team, with a clear identity and unwavering support. Their return to the European Championship in 2021 was a significant step, and their performance in the Nations League showed they can compete on equal terms with the European powers.
The Resurgence Under Steve Clarke
Since his arrival in 2019, Steve Clarke transformed the team's mentality. They went from being a defensive and predictable side to a more organized, solid team with tactical variety. Clarke prioritized discipline and team cohesion over individual names, achieving remarkable results: victories against Spain, Denmark, and Norway in European qualifiers.
Under his leadership, Scotland achieved a record six consecutive wins in Euro 2024 qualifying, their best run in over 50 years. It's a team with character, used to suffering, but with the conviction that it can return to the elite of world football.
The new format that favors Scotland
The 2026 World Cup will have an expanded format: 48 teams in total, with 16 of them coming from Europe (UEFA). This means there will be three additional places for the continent, increasing the chances of qualification for second-tier competitive teams like Scotland, Norway, or Serbia.
How Europe will qualify for the World Cup
UEFA has confirmed that the qualifiers for 2026 will have 12 groups. The winners of each group will qualify directly, while the runners-up, along with some top teams from the Nations League, will play in a playoff. In total, Europe will send 16 teams to the World Cup. UEFA direct qualification slots: 16. Qualifying groups: 12. Playoff format: 12 teams, with three available spots. Qualifying period: 2024–2025. Scotland is usually strong at home, at Hampden Park, where the weather, atmosphere, and the pressure from their fans create a true fortress. Furthermore, their recent performance in the Euros and the Nations League places them among the upper-middle-level European teams, a level that puts them in a good position to fight for a spot.
The toughest rivals
In the European qualifiers, Scotland will once again face top-level opponents. England, France, Italy, and Spain remain powerhouses, but the real challenge will be overcoming teams of their own caliber, such as Switzerland, Norway, Ukraine, and Poland. Norway: Led by Erling Haaland, a direct rival for a spot. Switzerland: A very consistent team in recent tournaments. Ukraine: Great attacking potential, but inconsistent in defense. Serbia: Physical power, with good attackers like Vlahović and Mitrović. The margin for error will be small, but the expanded format This means Scotland won't need to be perfect: consistency will suffice. If they can maintain their defensive solidity and capitalize on home games, they'll have a great chance of qualifying, even if they go through the playoffs.
Strengths, weaknesses, and predictions for 2026
The current Scotland team is pragmatic, compact, and has a well-defined identity. They don't depend on a single star player, but rather on the collective. However, they also have offensive limitations and lack depth on the bench compared to other European teams. Even so, the numbers and the context work in their favor heading into the 2026 World Cup.
Strengths that keep the hope alive
Cohesion and tactical work: Scotland is one of the most disciplined teams in Europe. They average only 0.9 goals conceded per game in qualifiers.
Established players: Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, Kieran Tierney, and John McGinn bring experience and leadership.
Good form: They finished second in their Euro 2024 qualifying group, ahead of Norway and Georgia.
Home strength: Hampden Park has become a tough place to play, with over 70% wins in the last three years.
Weaknesses that could complicate things
Scotland's main challenge is in attack. Although McTominay emerged as a goalscorer at Euro 2024, the lack of a natural centre forward remains a problem. Furthermore, when facing teams that dominate possession, they tend to retreat too deep, making it difficult for them to break out effectively.
Average goals scored: 1.3 per game.
Shots on target per game: 8.7.
Few players with experience in the final stages of international tournaments.
Optimistic statistics and projections
Statistical models are encouraging: according to the consultancy Opta, Scotland has a 74% chance of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Their current position in the FIFA ranking (among the top 30) and Their recent performance places them among the fastest-growing teams in Europe over the last five years.
Current FIFA Ranking: 32nd.
Wins in 2024: 7 out of 10 matches.
Average Possession: 51%.
Average Goal Difference: +0.6.
Could they pull off a surprise in North America?
If they qualify, Scotland could be one of the revelations of the 2026 World Cup. Not for individual talent, but for their fighting spirit and their ability to trouble The big ones. In a 12-group format, even a third-place finish with good results could take them to the round of 16. And that, for the Scots, would be almost like lifting a trophy. The key will be maintaining the core of the team, avoiding injuries, and not succumbing to the anxiety that has historically held the Tartan Army back. With a mature generation and a more accessible format, the dream of returning to a World Cup is within reach. In conclusion, everything indicates that Scotland has a great chance of playing in the 2026 World Cup. It won't be easy, but the combination of consistency, tactics, and pride can break the drought. The fans already feel it: the roar of "Flower of Scotland" could be heard again in North American stadiums.
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