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.
29. Denmark - pot 1
Another side Scotland have beaten in recent years, the Danes are the management of Brian Riemer following the departure of long-serving head coach Kasper Hjulmand in the summer. They finished second in their Nations League group, but won just two of their six games, with one of them being against 10-man Switzerland. A tough test should they be drawn against Scotland, but one of the more favourable ones from a strong pot of teams. Last 6 games: W2, D2, L2. | AFP via Getty Images
30. Croatia - pot 1
While the Croatian's still have some world class talent in their ranks, their early exit from Euro 2024 and recent performances against Scotland prove they are a squad on the decline. A tough draw that isn't quite as favourable as Switzerland, but one Scotland won't fear. Last 6 games: W2, D2, L2. | Getty Images
31. Sweden - pot 2
A forward-line of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres is enough to strike fear into even the best defenders, and Scotland will hope they can steer clear of an improving Swedish team that scored an average of 3.17 goals per game during their Nations League campaign. One of two teams from pot two that Scotland would prefer to avoid being drawn against. Last 6 games: W5, D1, L0. | Getty Images
32. Austria - pot 1
The Austrians had one of their best major tournament performances in recent memory at Euro 2024, topping the 'group of death' ahead of France, Netherlands and Poland. Paired against the Austrians in the last World Cup qualifiers, a Lyndon Dykes penalty handed Steve Clarke's side a memorable away win. Last 6 games: W3, D2, L1. | Getty Images