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.
21. Wales - pot 2
Wales have shown real improvement since the appointment of ex-Celtic forward Craig Bellamy as head coach. They topped their Nations League group by one point after demolishing Iceland 4-1 in Cardiff. They'd prove a difficult opponent, though Scotland would be narrow favourites to win. Last 6 games: W3, D3, L0. | Getty Images
22. Poland - pot 2
There's some real quality in Poland's ranks, but as Scotland showed in their recent Nations League clashes - it is nothing for Steve Clarke's side to fear. Drawing Poland would not be a disaster at all, but Ukraine, Serbia or Slovakia would be preferable. Last 6 games: W1, D1, L4. | Getty Images
23. Czechia - pot 2
Striving to return to their glory days of the late 90s, Czechia topped their Nations League group and gained promotion to League A. Supporters may choose to forget, but it would be difficult to forget David Marshall collapsing into the net after Patrik Schick's 40-yard lob at Euro 2020 if Czechia are drawn in Scotland's group. Beatable, but a tough opponent. Last 6 games: W3, D2, L1. | AFP via Getty Images
24. Romania - pot 2
The Romanians are improving after a number of years in the international wilderness. While they are still not as strong as their late 90s/early 00s squad, they didn't drop a single point in their recent Nations League campaign, winning all six games in Group C2. Last 6 games: W6, D0, L0. | AFP via Getty Images