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.
25. Greece - pot 2
Set to face Scotland in the Nations League relegation/promotion playoff in March, Greece are one of pot two's most improved sides. A statement win over England wasn't enough for them to top the group though, as they missed out promotion via goal difference. Someone Scotland can beat, but there are weaker teams in pot two. Last 6 games: W5, D0, L1. | Getty Images
26. Norway - pot 2
Scotland have tasted success against Norway recently, with a 2-1 win in Oslo the catalyst for their Euro 2024 qualification. However, the Norwegians have shown some improvement since then and would provide an ever sterner test. Beat Austria to top spot in the Nations League Group B3 table and, of course, have arguably the world's most deadly striker in Erling Haaland. Last 6 games: W4, D1, L1. | AFP via Getty Images
27. Switzerland - pot 1
After encouraging performances at the Euros, Switzerland have flattered to deceive. Failing to win any of their Nations League games, they were relegated from Group A of the competition. Scotland will feel they should beaten them in the group stage of Euro 2024, and would welcome a chance to do it again. Of all the nation's in pot one, the Swiss are the most favourable to be drawn against. Last 6 games: W0, D2, L4. | AFP via Getty Images
28. Turkiye - pot 2
Proved to be the dark horses at Euro 2024, making it all the way to the quarter finals. They finished a point behind Wales in their Nations League group, but are still one of the stronger nations in pot two. An away trip to Turkey would be a real test of Scotland's character, too. Avoid, if possible. Last 6 games: W3, D2, L1. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images