Scotland 2026 World Cup preview: Odds, key players and predictions

• Qualification record: 4 wins - 1 draw - 1 loss

• Goals for / against: 13 / 7

Scotland looked to be in the driving seat to pip Denmark to automatic qualification in World Cup Qualification Group C before a shock 3-2 defeat to Greece in their penultimate game left them needing to beat the Danes in a winner-takes-all last match to secure top spot and avoid falling into the play-offs.

They did so in the most extraordinary of circumstances, dramatically winning 4-2 at Hampden thanks to an overhead kick from Scott McTominay, a stunning late strike from Kieran Tierney and a Kenny McLean goal from the halfway line to seal the win and reach their first World Cup in 28 years.

Scotland are yet to make it out of the groups at a World Cup, even despite qualifying for the tournament on five consecutive occasions between 1974 and 1990.

They have been hugely unfortunate in some instances, though, missing out on goal difference on three separate occasions - in 1974 when this year's group opponents Brazil edged them out, 1978 when the Netherlands beat them to a spot and in 1982 when the Soviet Union progressed.

As a result, the World Cup 2026 is a huge chance for this current team, which is packed with quality in some areas, to make history for their country by appearing in a knockout game for the first time.

Scotland's squad is certainly not flawless in some areas, but it is still littered with players with proven experience of performing at the highest level.

Andy Robertson, who recently brought a trophy-laden Liverpool career to an end, remains the captain, with McTominay one of Serie A's top players with Napoli and fellow midfielder John McGinn recently captaining Aston Villa to Europa League glory.

That 43-year-old Craig Gordon could start in goal, and subsequently become the second-oldest player ever to play at a World Cup, suggests a lack of quality in that department. Meanwhile, the solid, if slightly unremarkable, trio of Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes and Lawrence Shankland will battle to start up front.

Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson and Billy Gilmour are all decent midfield options, which could allow the likes of McGinn and McTominay to threaten further up the pitch. Ben Gannon-Doak may emerge as an exciting young wide forward for Scotland at this World Cup.

Manager: Steve Clarke

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), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich), Scott McTominay (Napoli)

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

Ladbrokes are predicting Scotland to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in their opening game against Haiti on Sunday, June 14.

GK: Angus Gunn

RB: Aaron Hickey

CB: Jack Hendry

CB: Scott McKenna

LB: Andy Robertson

CM: Lewis Ferguson

CM: Ryan Christie

RM: John McGinn

CAM: Scott McTominay

LM: Ben Gannon-Doak

ST: Lyndon Dykes

On the face of it, Scotland look to have been drawn into one of the more difficult groups at this World Cup, with Brazil and Morocco both representing tough opponents to come up against so early on in the tournament, with minnows Haiti undoubtedly the underdogs.

Brazil are among the favourites to claim a sixth World Cup, while Morocco were the surprise package at Qatar 2022 when they reached the semi-finals and come into the tournament fresh off being controversially crowned Africa Cup of Nations winners.

Scotland will therefore see their opener against Haiti as a must-win to their hopes of disrupting the favoured two. Do that and grab a point against either of Brazil or Morocco and they may even fancy their chances of sneaking into second.

Check out our in-depth preview for World Cup Group C, including the latest odds, fixtures and predictions.

Scotland look to be battling with Morocco for second spot in Group C, which we think they'll just miss out on but still progress as one of the third-placed sides.

That could leave them facing a tough draw against one of the big hitters in the tournament such as France, Germany or Spain, which is where their tournament looks likely to come to an end.

Prediction: Round of 32 exit

Check out the latest betting promotions from Ladbrokes to enhance your betting experience.

All odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.

View the latest World Cup 2026 odds.