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.
17. Serbia - pot 2
An ageing, out of form Serbia would be the ideal pot two draw for Scotland. Should their name be drawn out of the hat, memories of that famous shootout win in Belgrade are sure to come flooding back, too. Last 6 games: W1, D3, L2. | AFP via Getty Images
18. Kosovo - pot 4
One of the stronger pot four teams, Kosovo won four of their six Nations League games and only missed out in top spot to Romania - who are in pot two of the draw. The Kosovans are arguably the best side in pot four. Last 6 games: W4, D0, L2. | AFP via Getty Images
19. Slovakia - pot 2
Came within a minute of beating England and making the Euro 2024 quarter-finals in the summer, and have continued their impressive form in the Nations League. Lost only once during their Nations League campaign, missing out on promotion to League B by just three points. Last 6 games: W4, D1, L1. | Getty Images
20. Ukraine - pot 2
It feels like Scotland face Ukraine almost every six months, such is the frequency of the fixture. They faced each other three times in 2022, winning one, drawing one and losing one. Ukraine always present a challenge, but are one of the weaker sides in pot two. Last 6 games: W2, D2, L2. | Getty Images