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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 4 team in the World Cup 2026 draw ranked on difficulty, from easiest to most difficult. Do you agree with our rankings?
1. Haiti (Difficulty rating: 3)
At 84th, they are the lowest-ranked side confirmed to be in the competition as per FIFA rankings, though they could be boosted by the addition of Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor, who is reported to be considering representing the nation at this year's tournament. From Scotland’s perspective, this is a team they will be favourites to beat, making it a draw they would surely favour. | AFP via Getty Images
2. Curacao (Difficulty rating: 3)
The smallest nation to ever take part in the World Cup, former Rangers manager Dick Advocaat has made history by securing qualification for the tournament. That said, Scotland have no room for sentiment if they want to progress. This is a very favourable draw that would see Scotland as favourites to win. | AFP via Getty Images
3. Jordan (Difficulty rating: 3)
With Yazan Al-Naimat's goal-scoring prowess, teams must be wary of the threat Jordan poses after qualifying for their first-ever World Cup. Currently ranked 66th in the FIFA World Rankings, though, Scotland fans would fancy their chances against a team they are ranked more than 20 places above. | AFP via Getty Images
4. Bolivia/Suriname/Iraq (Difficulty rating: 3)
One of three nations who could qualify via the playoffs, Scotland would be favourites to win against the trio. | Getty Images