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.
13. Belarus - pot 4
Belarus have struggled to win with their games being played behind closed doors, but have proven difficult to beat. Scotland would be favourites to take six points should they draw Belarus, but Tartan Army fans would prefer to avoid it , with any away game against them unable to welcome travelling supporters. Last 6 games: W1, D4, L1. | Getty Images
14. Cyprus - pot 4
The Cypriots are no stranger to Scotland, having faced them in the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. The Scots have a 100% record against them, winning all nine fixtures between the nations. Have won a third of their last six fixtures, though could find themselves relegated for the second successive time in the Nations League after finishing third in Group C2. Last 6 games: W2, D0, L4. | Getty Images
15. Armenia - pot 4
One of trickier opponents from pot four, Scotland have faced Armenia as recently as 2022 in the Nations League, with Steve Clarke's side winning both games 2-0 and 4-1. Despite losing 50% of their Nations League games, they could gain promotion to League B after finishing in second place, where they'll face Georgia in March in the promotion/relegation playoff. Last 6 games: W2, D1, L3. | Getty Images
16. Bulgaria - pot 3
The Bulgarians are organised and tough to break down, keeping clean sheets in four of their six Nations League games. Scotland would be favourites to beat them, but there are far worse teams in pot four. Last 6 games: W2, D3, L1. | Getty Images