Belarus vs Scotland live: Steve Clarke’s men take home three points in World Cup qualifying

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The Independent

·8 September 2025

Belarus vs Scotland live: Steve Clarke’s men take home three points in World Cup qualifying

Scotland secured their first win of World Cup qualifying with a 2-0 victory over Belarus in strange, Covid-style conditions behind closed doors in Hungary.

Steve Clarke’s side were frustrated for much of the first half by a dogged Belarusian defence and showed no signs of recreating Greece’s rampant 4-0 display by half-time against the same opposition.

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But Che Adams pounced shortly before the break, latching onto a fine Scott McTominay header to score a vital tap-in.

Scotland were the brighter side again in the second half but it was Belarus’ Zakhar Volkov who was to thank for their second goal, turning a Billy Gilmour header straight into his own net in the 65th minute.

It was far from a vintage performance but it was enough for Scotland to take home all three points and a vital step towards qualifying for their first World Cup since 1998.

Scotland stay on course for World Cup after beating Belarus behind closed doors

Scotland kept on a steady course for the 2026 World Cup with a solid 2-0 win over Belarus on a surreal evening in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary.

After an encouraging 0-0 draw for Steve Clarke’s side in their opening qualifier in Group C against Denmark on Friday night, the closed-doors match in the ZTE Arena was an unwelcome throwback to the Covid-19 era of football.

Players and management shouts echoed around the ground with loud Scottish celebrations heard when striker Che Adams scored from close range two minutes before the break.

Belarus threatened at points but had the wind taken out of their sails when defender Zakhar Volkov headed into his own goal in the 65th minute to seal a crucial win for the Scots.