Scotland is set to make a sensational return to the FIFA World Cup after a 25-year absence, finding themselves in a highly competitive Group C alongside Brazil, Morocco, and surprise qualifiers Haiti. The draw, conducted on Friday, promises a mixture of nostalgia, tough challenges, and opportunities for Steve Clarke’s squad to shine on the global stage.
For Scottish fans, the highlight of the group is undoubtedly the reunion with Brazil, a fixture that evokes vivid memories of France 1998. “We have to go over there wanting to try and prove a point,” said midfielder Ryan Christie following the draw. “We’re not just there to make up the numbers. We’re wanting to go and compete and get through the group phase.”
The opening match for Scotland will take place on 13 June against Haiti, marking a historic first-ever meeting between the two nations. This game will be hosted at either Boston or the MetLife Stadium near New York, offering an exciting start to Scotland’s campaign. For a team returning to football’s grandest stage after more than two decades, the significance of this opening fixture cannot be overstated.
However, it is the encounter with Brazil that will capture the imagination of fans across the world. Scheduled for 24 June in either Miami or Atlanta, the clash recalls Scotland’s memorable opening game at the 1998 World Cup in France. Back then, Scotland put up a strong fight but were narrowly defeated 2-1 at the Stade de France due to a heartbreaking own goal by Tommy Boyd. The two countries have only met once since, in a 2011 friendly that Brazil won 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium, but historically, these matchups have been a staple at World Cup level. Scotland faced Brazil in 1974, 1982, and 1990, suffering defeats in all except a goalless draw in 1974.
Morocco, who reached the semi-finals in the 2022 World Cup, also represent a formidable opponent and bring back memories of the 1998 tournament, where they defeated Scotland 3-0, confirming Scotland would finish at the bottom of their group. This time, Scotland and Morocco will meet on 19 June in either Philadelphia or Boston. While the historical result may linger in memory, Clarke’s team will be looking to rewrite the narrative and approach the match with renewed confidence.
Haiti, often considered the underdog, brings its own challenge to Group C. The Caribbean nation, making only its second World Cup appearance since 1974, will be keen to make an impression against a seasoned European side. Christie highlighted the level of competition Scotland will face, noting, “Two out of the three games are going to be massively tough and even Haiti, nobody gets to a World Cup without being a decent team. [They are] teams we’re not used to playing.”
Scotland’s road to Qatar was nothing short of dramatic. Their qualification was sealed with a late, emotional victory over Denmark, a result that has set the tone for a team eager to challenge expectations. Christie expressed optimism about Scotland’s prospects, referencing recent disappointments at the European Championship: “Although they flopped at Euro 2024, Christie believes Scotland can aim higher next summer. ‘Hopefully, we can go this one step further this time,’ he said. ‘We go into that tournament a little bit as the underdogs. It suits us. Hopefully, these other teams don’t know what to expect and we can surprise them a little bit.’”
Beyond Group C, attention in Europe turns to the playoff stage, which will determine which other teams secure a spot in the World Cup. Wales and Northern Ireland are among those awaiting the outcome, though only one will progress, as they are placed in the same playoff quartet. Should they succeed, either team will face tough opponents in Group B, alongside Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar. Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland also faces a playoff challenge before they can prepare for the main tournament. If successful, Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side would join Group A, featuring Mexico, South Korea, and South Africa. “It’s a beatable group if we think [of] ourselves in it,” Hallgrímsson said. “It’s a group we would fancy qualifying from.”
The European playoffs, scheduled for March, will be fiercely contested, with each nation required to navigate a semi-final and final to secure World Cup qualification. For instance, Wales will host Bosnia and Herzegovina at home, while Northern Ireland must overcome Italy on the road to reach the final playoff. In Ireland’s case, they will host either North Macedonia or Denmark if they can win their away semi-final against the Czech Republic. The intensity of these matches ensures that every European team earns its place at the World Cup through a combination of skill, resilience, and determination.
For Scotland, Group C is both a challenge and an opportunity. Facing footballing giants like Brazil, a resurgent Morocco, and the unpredictable Haiti, the squad will need tactical discipline, mental fortitude, and flair to progress. While memories of past defeats linger, the current generation is determined to forge its own legacy. Clarke’s squad will be looking to combine experience with youthful energy, aiming to reach the knockout stages and make their mark in a tournament that has long eluded them.
As the World Cup approaches, the Scottish public is already dreaming of historic moments and potential upsets. The narrative is rich with past encounters, emotional victories, and heartbreaking defeats, but this return to the global stage offers a clean slate. With careful preparation and a fearless approach, Scotland could once again surprise the footballing world, proving that absence from the World Cup does not diminish ambition or capability.
