Scotland’s 28-year wait to qualify for the World Cup was finally ended last month when their memorable 4-2 win over Denmark saw them top their group and gain a direct passage to next summer’s tournament.
Set to take place across USA, Mexico, and Canada, Steve Clarke’s side won’t have to wait anywhere near as long to discover who they will face at the competition, with the draw set to take place at the Kennedy Center in the American capital of Washington DC on Friday, December 5.
With Scotland placed in pot 3 of the draw, they know they will face a nation from pot 1, pot 2, and pot 4 - but which nations would be the most difficult to face?
Here, The Scotsman rank every pot 2 team in the World Cup 2026 draw ranked on difficulty, from easiest to most difficult. Do you agree with our rankings?
1. World Cup pot 2
Here is every pot 2 team in the World Cup 2026 draw ranked on difficulty, from easiest to most difficult. Cr: Getty Images. | Getty Images
2. Australia (Difficulty rating: 4)
With apologies to Hibs hero Martin Boyle, there are few who would argue against the Aussies being the most favourable pot 2 draw. Ranked 26th in the FIFA rankings, Tartan Army fans would feel confident they they have enough ability in their squad to beat the Socceroos. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
3. Ecuador (Difficulty rating: 5)
There are no easy draws in pot 2, but Scotland would feel confident they could navigate past Ecuador. They are organised, and concede very few goals though, so they are no pushovers. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
4. South Korea (Difficulty rating: 5)
They have talent and a solid enough history at the World Cup, but there's no doubting this would be a preferable draw to the likes of Morocco and Croatia. That said, ranked 22nd in the FIFA rankings, it will be far from easy - but the World Cup never is. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images