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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

When will Scotland's World Cup qualifying matches take place?

The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has now officially been mapped out for Steve Clarke and Scotland.

Friday's draw in Zurich matched Scotland in a four team group with Belarus, Greece and the loser of the two-legged Nations League A quarter-final between Portugal and Denmark in March.

Scotland have got the taste for being among the world's best nations after qualifying for back-to-back European Championships.

Yet, World Cup participation has passed the Tartan Army by since France 1998 under the late Craig Brown's management. 

(Image: SNS Group)

Scotland is set to embark on an exciting journey as they begin their World Cup qualifying campaign with a pair of crucial away matches.

The Scots will first face either Portugal or Denmark on Friday, September 5, with the match scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm. This opening fixture promises to be a thrilling encounter, as Scotland looks to make a strong statement against the highest ranked opponents.

Following their initial clash, Scotland will travel to Belarus for their second qualifier on Monday, September 9, also starting at 7:45pm. However, due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions and Belarus's support for Russia in the war against Ukraine, this match is anticipated to take place on neutral ground.

The decision underscores the complex nature of international sports amidst global conflicts, but Scotland will be focused on securing vital points regardless of the location.

After these challenging away fixtures, Scotland will return home to Hampden Park for two important matches. On Thursday, October 9, they will host Greece at 7:45pm, a game that could prove pivotal in their quest for qualification.

Just days later, on Sunday, October 12, Scotland will welcome Belarus back to Mount Florida for a 5:00pm kick-off. This match will provide an opportunity for the Scots to assert their dominance on home soil.

As the qualifying campaign progresses, Scotland will travel to face Greece on Saturday, November 15, at 7:45pm. Then final match of Group C will see Scotland return home to face either Portugal or Denmark on Tuesday, November 18, at 7:45pm.


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Here are the fixtures in full: 

September 5 - Portugal/Denmark v Scotland

September 8 - Belarus v Scotland

October 9 - Scotland v Greece

October 12 - Scotland v Belarus

November 15 - Greece v Scotland

November 18 - Scotland v Portugal/Denmark

(Image: UEFA) 


The 2026 World Cup is set to kick off on June 11 in Mexico City and conclude on July 19 in New Jersey.

With an expanded roster of 48 teams, the tournament will span an unprecedented 39 days.

"When I spoke after the tournament in the summer, I said that one of my main remaining ambitions is to go to a World Cup with my country," Scotland head coach Clarke said.

"These qualifying games give me an opportunity to do that and I'm going to give it everything I've got and I'm sure my players will do the same. 

"It was a difficult year but we finished it well. We showed that we can compete against the top teams and that's what we will have to do if we want to get to the World Cup.

"The players are desperate to do well for their country and I think the supporters appreciate that.

"1998 was a long time ago and when it comes to World Cups, there's no extra motivation required. The squad is full of players who want to go to the World Cup so now is the time to do it."

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