Scotland's potential World Cup knockout stage opponents

** All of these potential matches have been picked based on the outright winner odds of each possible opponent **

Of course, this is the most unlikely scenario for Scotland as it would likely mean going unbeaten in their group and pipping odds-on group favourites Brazil to top spot, with the Tartan Army given an 8/1 chance of doing so.

Round of 32

• Scotland vs Japan (Monday, June 29 - 18:00 BST)

Scotland's likely opponent here is the team who come second in Group F, which we are expecting to be Japan.

Last 16

• Scotland vs Norway (Saturday, July 5 - 21:00 BST)

Should they make it through, they will face the winner of the game between the runners-up in Group E (Ecuador) and Group I (Norway), which we are tipping to be Erling Haaland's Norway.

Quarter-final

• Scotland vs England (Saturday, July 11 - 22:00 BST)

If they continue to defy expectation by reaching the quarter-finals, then a blockbuster quarter-final against neighbours England likely awaits in Miami, with the opponent most likely to be the Group L winners.

Semi-final

• Scotland vs Argentina (Wednesday, July 15, 20:00 BST)

While reaching the semi-final is probably beyond anyone of a Scottish persuasion's wildest dreams, it is expected that their final-four opponent would be the winner of Group B (Switzerland), Group K (Portugal), or Group J (Argentina), so it's Lionel Messi's World Cup holders who take the spot.

Final

• Scotland vs Spain (Sunday, July 19, 20:00 BST)

The most likely opponent in the final is Spain, though there is also an equal possibility it could be fellow outright tournament favourites France.

** All of these potential matches have been picked based on the outright winner odds of each possible opponent **

Finishing second in Group C would likely mean finishing above 2022 semi-finalists Morocco, with the Atlas Lions' qualification odds marked as 1/12 compared to Scotland's 1/3.

Round of 32

• Netherlands vs Scotland (Tuesday, June 30 - 02:00 BST)

The result of Scotland finishing second in Group C would see them face the winners of Group F, who are strongly tipped to be the Netherlands.

Last 16

• Canada vs Scotland (Saturday. July 4 - 18:00 BST)

If they shock the Dutch, then the runners-up from either Group A (Czechia) or Group B (Canada) await. We are going with co-hosts Canada, who have more favourable outright odds.

Quarter-finals

• France vs Scotland (Thursday, July 9 - 21:00 BST)

Next up in this scenario is likely to be the winner of Group E (Germany) or Group I (France), so we have gone for the 2018 champions.

Semi-finals

• Spain vs Scotland (Tuesday, July 14 - 20:00 BST)

A sensational victory over France would see them effectively take up Les Bleus' place in the draw, meaning they will most likely face Euro 2024 winner Spain.

Final

• Scotland vs England (Sunday, July 19 - 20:00 BST)

An all-British final awaits if Scotland take this route, with England favoured in the outright odds to Argentina.

** All of these potential matches have been picked based on the outright winner odds of each possible opponent **

This is the most likely scenario for Scotland, with a win against Haiti meaning they should scrape through to the knockout stage if they avoid a heavy defeat to either Brazil or Morocco in Group C.

As a quick disclaimer, there are too many different permutations to definitively confirm this route, but this is one example of how it could pan out.

Round of 32

• France vs Scotland (Tuesday, June 30 - 22:00 BST)

Finish third in the group, then an early knockout game against heavyweights France awaits, though it could also be Germany or Mexico depending on where they sit among the other third-placed teams.

Last 16

• Germany vs Scotland (Saturday, July 4 - 22:00 BST)

Get through that game and it's Germany up next, though this could also end up being France or Auld Enemy England.

Quarter-final

• Netherlands vs Scotland (Thursday, July 9 - 21:00 BST)

If they can keep up a stunning run of shocks, then a meeting with the Netherlands is up next on this path. Again, this could also be another meeting with Brazil (amongst many others!) depending on which path they end up on.

Semi-finals

• Spain vs Scotland (Tuesday, July 14 - 20:00 BST)

It gets no easier for the Scottish in the semi-finals with joint-favourites Spain up next, while it could also be Portugal or Argentina.

Final

• Scotland vs England (Sunday, July 19 - 20:00 BST)

If John McGinn and Co can continue to sensationally dispatching world football's top teams, then it's England that await in the final, according to this particular path.

We have also mapped out England's potential routes to the final, while you can head to our dedicated World Cup hub for plenty more content ahead of the tournament, such as our rundown of the odds for the outright winner, top goalscorer, Player of the Tournament and the Golden Glove.

You can also find in-depth previews for all the top teams, including England and Scotland, as well as a deep dive into each group and an ultimate World Cup preview and betting guide so you are fully clued up ahead of the action. Have a look at every player who will be at the World Cup with our confirmed squads article, as well as a player to watch from every nation.

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

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