Scotland World Cup 2026: Is that elusive knockout spot in reach for the Tartan Army?

Scotland are back at the World Cup, with 2026 being their first participation since France 98. Steve Clarke’s side is rich with big-game pedigree and features league titlists, Champions League winners and a deep well of experience.

The Tartan Army will roar their boys on come rain or shine, but how will their side get on? Read on for my Scotland World Cup 2026 preview.

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers)

Defenders: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al Etiffaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Dom Hyam (Wrexham), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic). 

Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Findlay Curtis (Kilmarnock), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), Tyler Fletcher (Manchester United), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich), Scott McTominay (Napoli). 

Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Charlton Athletic), George Hirst (Ipswich), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Ross Stewart (Southampton)

World Cup Odds

The phrase ‘not here to take part, here to take over’ is an overused sporting idiom nowadays. But with one of the most passionate fanbases in the international game and a decades-long major tournament drought, don’t be surprised if the Tartan Army really do take over this summer.

The team on the field should give them plenty to cheer. Qualifying gave Scottish fans the chest-beating 4-2 win over Denmark, the 4-1 battering of Liechtenstein and a quality 3-1 victory at home to Greece.

Billy Gilmour will be a miss. Injury sees the Brighton midfielder replaced by Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher. Having played more for his country than his club, Fletcher will look to the likes of Aston Villa dynamo John McGinn and Liverpool’s departing multi-medalist Andy Robertson for their experience. 

We’ll skip over another midfielder who knows what it’s like to grow up at Old Trafford for now. But Clarke can also call upon Torino marksman Che Adams, the rejuvenated Ross Stewart of Southampton and Bournemouth winger Ben Gannon-Doak. Robertson is joined by the likes of Everton’s Nathan Patterson and Celtic’s ex-Gunner Kieran Tierney in a well-balanced defensive unit.

Scotland are not coming to the World Cup to be patted on the head and told they were fun minnows. Clarke and his side will look at Haiti as easy meat, Morocco as a chance to nick one and Brazil as an opportunity to bloody the iconic Selecao’s collective hooter.

Group C Fixtures 

14 June 9pm local (15 June 2am BST) - vs Haiti (Boston)

19 June 6pm local (11pm BST) - vs Morocco (Boston)

24 June 6pm local (11pm BST) - vs Brazil (Miami)

Player to watch: Scott McTominay

The former ‘McFred’ pariah has found a new lease of life in Serie A. The Napoli midfielder is a firm fan favourite, bagging 27 goals in his two seasons in Naples. Having netted 10 goals for United in the 2023/24 campaign, McTominay has reached double figures for three consecutive seasons.

Miscast as a defensive midfielder at Old Trafford, McTominay has proved an adept and physical attacking midfielder. The 29-year-old’s evolution has paid dividends at international level. McTominay scored one international goal in his first five years with Scotland. He has bagged 13 international goals in the last four years.

Scotland’s squad boasts difference-makers and continental competition winners. But McTominay is the beating heart of this iteration of the Tartan Army.

Football Odds

Prediction: Group Stage Elimination

I’m sorry, Scotland fans. I believe in McTominay. I think you’ve got some top talent in the squad. But you got drawn in a tough old group. Haiti are the whipping boys and boy will you whip them. But Morocco are (controversially) AFCON winners and have experience and quality to burn. Brazil are very much Brazil.

I just don’t see Scotland prevailing against the latter two teams. I hope I’m wrong. Hit the ground running against Haiti, pray Morocco and Brazil draw then hit Morocco with all you’ve got in Boston. You never know what could happen. But I’m not confident.