Scotland's Road to 2026: Who Could They Face?

Scotland's journey to the 2026 World Cup is generating significant optimism, a stark contrast to their last appearance in 1998. Currently positioned in Pot Three for the group stage draw, the Tartan Army is guaranteed to avoid other Pot Three teams, including strong European and South American contenders. This strategic seeding offers a clearer path forward in the North American tournament.

The potential opponents for Scotland are drawn from Pots One, Two, and Four, with specific group-stage rules in place. While teams from the same continental confederation generally avoid each other, European (UEFA) teams have more flexibility, allowing for the possibility of Scotland facing another European nation. This dynamic adds an element of unpredictability to the draw.

Analysts suggest that a favorable draw for Scotland might involve facing hosts Canada from Pot One, Australia from Pot Two, and Cape Verde from Pot Four. Conversely, groups featuring powerhouses like Argentina or France, combined with challenging teams from Pot Two and Four, would present a more difficult challenge for the Scottish squad as they aim to surpass their 1998 performance.