Scotland – World Cup Profile: Don’t Come Home Too Soon | OneFootball

It’s been 28 long summers since Scotland last graced the stage at the World Cup. Back at France 98, Scotland suffered a heartbreaking loss to Brazil, salvaged a draw with Norway, before succumbing to a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Morocco.

This summer, Steve Clarke’s men meet two of those antagonists in North America with revenge very much on the mind. A clash against Morocco is their second match, while Brazil await in the final group game.

Scotland have taken part in eight World Cups since their debut in 1954, yet has never made it out of the groups. When factoring in four European Championships, that number rises to 12 major tournaments that the Scots have never sealed a place in the knockout stages.

Surely that record has to end this summer? The national team have perhaps the most gifted generation of players since the 1980s, with the likes of John McGinn, Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay and Lewis Ferguson shining in the Premier League and Serie A.

Clarke has his band of loyal players who have helped steer Scotland to three of the previous four major tournaments. Now, qualification isn’t just enough, with the Tartan Army desperate to see Scotland make real progress at the World Cup.

How Scotland qualified

Placed in Group C alongside Belarus, Denmark and Greece, Scotland had more than a decent chance of at least finishing in the top two.

An opening 0-0 draw with the Danes was followed by a 2-0 away win over Belarus. A month later, Greece were the visitors to Hampden, and although they opened the scoring on 62 minutes, Clarke’s men roared back to score three goals and seal all three points.

Goals from Che Adams and McTominay sealed another win against Belarus a few days later, meaning if Scotland won their final two games, qualification for the World Cup would be achieved.

In typical Scottish style, the team suffered a 3-2 defeat to Greece in Piraeus, yet due to Denmark only managing to draw with Belarus, a win over the Danes at Hampden would be enough to top the group.

What followed was 90 minutes of tension, joy, heartbreak and relief all rolled into one. In the end, a stunning 4-2 win saw Scotland through to a first World Cup finals since 1998.

Scotland’s key players

McTominay will be crucial for Scotland at the finals, and he warmed up for the opening clash against Haiti with a well-taken goal in the friendly with Bolivia.

That was his 15th Scotland goal, and he was also the last person to score for the nation at a major tournament, netting the opener against Switzerland at Euro 2024.

Voted Serie A player of the year in 2025, the midfielder won the league title with Napoli in 2024/25, and Clarke hopes that he continues his fine form stateside.

John McGinn also has an impressive scoring rate for Scotland, as he has scored 20 goals for his country. The Aston Villa man will likely start all three matches, and his influence could be vital.

Keep an eye out for Lawrence Shankland. The Rangers centre-forward scored three goals in the two warm-up matches. His clinical nature in front of goal is something Clarke has been searching for.

Scotland’s World Cup history

This will be Scotland’s ninth World Cup tournament since making their debut at the 1954 edition.

Scotland qualified for five in a row between 1974 and 1990, with 1998 being their last appearance at this stage until now.

Remarkably, the Scots have won just four of the 23 group stage matches they have played. Those victories came against Zaire in 1974, the Netherlands in 1978, New Zealand four years later and Sweden in 1990.

History could be made in North America over the next couple of weeks if Scotland makes it out of Group C.

Scotland’s World Cup fixtures

Haiti vs Scotland – June 13 @ 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PTScotland vs Morocco – June 19 @ 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PTScotland vs Brazil – June 24 @ 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT

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