Scotland will discover their World Cup 2026 qualifying group opponents this week, with the draw for the set to take place on Friday in Zurich.
It has been close to three decades since the Tartan Army were last at a World Cup, and Steve Clarke and his squad will be desperate to return to the world’s premiere football tournament for the first time since 1998.
Qualification for back-to-back European Championships, coupled with memorable wins over Spain, Norway and Croatia, have given Scotland fans hope that they can finally end their World Cup exile and seal their place at the 2026 tournament, which is set to take place across USA, Canada and Mexico.
With the draw for the European section of the qualifiers soon to be revealed, Scotland have been placed in pot three of the draw, where they will be drawn against one nations from pot one, one from pot two, one from pot four, and potentially one from pot five.
But who would be the best - and worst - teams for Scotland to be drawn against based on form and recent history? We rank all 41 of Scotland’s potential qualifying opponents, from most attractive to most difficult.
5. Lithuania - pot 4
The weakest team in their pot, Lithuania will be the side Scotland hope to draw from pot four. The Lithuanians have shocked Scotland before, beating them 1-0 during the Euro 2004 qualifiers, but have lost their last six matches and are in a real slump. Last 6 games: W0, D0, L6. | PA
6. Malta - pot 5
One of the better pot five teams, Malta have won two of their last four games and picked up an impressive draw with Slovenia earlier this year. Last 6 games: W3, D1, L2. | AFP via Getty Images
7. Azerbaijan - pot 4
Relegated to League D in the Nations League after failing to win any of their six games, Azerbaijan are one of the most out of form sides in pot four. Not the worst team in pot four, but one Scotland would expect to get six points from. Last 6 games: W0, D1, L5. | TT NEWS AGENCY/AFP via Getty Ima
8. Latvia - pot 4
Winning just one of their six Nations League games in Group 4 of League C, the Latvian national team are not performing very well and would be a welcome draw for Scotland. Last 6 games: W1, D1, L4. | AFP via Getty Images