Here is every pot 4 team in the World Cup 2026 draw ranked by difficulty. Cr: Getty Images.placeholder image
Here is every pot 4 team in the World Cup 2026 draw ranked by difficulty. Cr: Getty Images. | Getty Images

Scotland's World Cup Draw: Every pot 4 team ranked by difficultly - the grudge match, the new boys and one to avoid

By Graham Falk

Sports Writer

Published 4th Dec 2025, 16:39 GMT

Here is every pot 4 team in the World Cup 2026 draw ranked on difficulty, from easiest to most difficult.

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?

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While Jamaica and DR Congo would both present tougher tests than New Caledonia for Scotland, Steve Clarke's side would be favourites against any of these three nations would could qualify via the playoffs.

5. New Caledonia/Jamaica/DR Congo (Difficulty rating: 3)

While Jamaica and DR Congo would both present tougher tests than New Caledonia for Scotland, Steve Clarke's side would be favourites against any of these three nations would could qualify via the playoffs. | Getty Images

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Another nation making their debut at the tournament, Cape Verde boast a squad that includes Ryan Mendes and Zé Luís, though they are not expected to pull up too many trees, making them a favourite draw for Scotland.

6. Cape Verde (Difficulty rating: 3)

Another nation making their debut at the tournament, Cape Verde boast a squad that includes Ryan Mendes and Zé Luís, though they are not expected to pull up too many trees, making them a favourite draw for Scotland. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images

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In Chris Wood, the New Zealand team possesses a striker who is having something of an Indian summer at 33. However, Scotland has a far superior squad on paper and would enter a clash with them as favourites, should they be drawn against them.

7. New Zealand (Difficulty rating: 3)

In Chris Wood, the New Zealand team possesses a striker who is having something of an Indian summer at 33. However, Scotland has a far superior squad on paper and would enter a clash with them as favourites, should they be drawn against them. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images

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With the likes of Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, and Iñaki Williams likely to be in their, Ghana are one of the best pot 4 sides. They also have a decent recent history in the World Cup. Remember the Asamoah Gyan 2010 World Cup? Magical.

8. Ghana (Difficulty rating: 5)

With the likes of Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, and Iñaki Williams likely to be in their, Ghana are one of the best pot 4 sides. They also have a decent recent history in the World Cup. Remember the Asamoah Gyan 2010 World Cup? Magical. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images

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