Scotland's route to the 2026 World Cup final: Who could they face if they qualify for knockouts in first, second or third place from Group C?
Published 09/06/2026 at 17:57 GMT+1
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Scotland have been handed a tricky group on their World Cup return, but who could they face if they advance into the knockout rounds? And how does their route change if they come third, second, or first?
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Scotland are competing in their first World Cup since 1998 and are in Group C along with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.
Given both Brazil and Morocco are inside the top 10 of FIFA’s rankings, it seems likely that Scotland will be competing to be one of the eight third-placed qualifiers from the 12 groups.
But if they spring a surprise against either, or both, of the heavyweights, then they could also be in the running for first or second place in the group.
So what could lie in store for Steve Clarke’s side beyond the group stage at the World Cup?
When do Scotland play their group fixtures?
(All times UK)
Scotland start their World Cup campaign with probably their most important game, against Haiti in Boston on Sunday, June 14 (02:00).
If Scotland don’t beat 86th-ranked Haiti, they will face an uphill task to qualify from the group.
Their second game is also in Boston, against Morocco on Friday, June 19 (23:00), before finishing against Brazil in Miami on Wednesday, June 24 (23:00).
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Who will Scotland play if they win Group C?
Last 32
A ball hasn’t been kicked yet, so let optimism abound.
If Scotland cause a huge shock and pip Brazil and Morocco, as well as Haiti, to top spot in Group C, then they would face the runner-up from Group F in the last 32.
That is likely to be either the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden on Monday, June 29 in Houston (18:00).
Potential last-32 fixture: Scotland v Japan
Last 16
Awaiting in the last 16 for Scotland would be either the Group E runners-up or the Group I runners-up.
Assuming the favourites top the groups, that could be Ecuador or Ivory Coast from Group E, or Senegal or Norway from Group I.
The match will be played in New Jersey on Sunday, July 5 (21:00).
Potential last-16 fixture: Scotland v Ivory Coast
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Quarter-final
If Scotland get to the quarter-finals after winning the group, their most likely opponents could be the old enemy, England.
The two teams have never played each other at the World Cup before, but, of course, have plenty of history.
This game would be held in Miami on Saturday, July 11 (22:00).
Potential quarter-final fixture: Scotland v England
Semi-final
So, Scotland have beaten England to make it to the semi-finals of the World Cup - it doesn't get much bigger, does it?
Well, next on the docket could be a clash with defending champions Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15 (20:00).
Potential semi-final fixture: Scotland v Argentina
Final
Scotland have won their group and made it all the way to the final.Â
The Tartan Army will be taking over MetLife Stadium on July 19 (20:00) as Scotland look to finish the job, perhaps against reigning European champions Spain.
Potential final: Spain
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What if Scotland finish second in Group C?
Last 32
If Scotland are runners-up in Group C, they would face the winners of Group F in their first knockout game.
That would likely be the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden, with the game taking place at 02:00 on Tuesday, June 30, in Guadalajara.
Potential last-32 fixture: Scotland v Netherlands
Last 16
If Scotland make it through the last 32, their next fixture doesn’t look too daunting.
They would face either the runners-up from Group A, most likely South Korea or Czechia, or the runners-up in Group B, which could be Canada or Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The game would be played in Houston on Saturday, July 4 (18:00).
Potential last-16 fixture: Scotland v South Korea
Quarter-final
France, who have made the final of the last two World Cups, could be Scotland’s opponents in the quarter-finals.
Scotland beat France in their last competitive meeting in Euro 2008 qualifying.
The tie, which could also be against Germany, would be in Boston on Thursday, July 9 (21:00).
Potential quarter-final: Scotland v France
Semi-final
France have been dispatched in an incredible upset and it’s onto the semis.Â
Scotland are starting to dream, but they could next have to get through European champions Spain in Dallas on Tuesday, July 14 (20:00) to reach the final.
Potential semi-final: Scotland v Spain
Final
Scotland v England in the World Cup final? Could it happen?
Technically, yes, if Scotland reached the final via this route, then they could meet the Three Lions in New Jersey in the final.
Other potential opponents include Brazil and Argentina.
Potential final: Scotland v England
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Who will Scotland play if they finish third in Group C?
Last 32
Without wanting to downplay Scotland’s chances, their most probable route to the knockout stages - based on rankings - is as a third-place qualifier.
The eight third-place teams with the most points from the 12 groups will advance (if teams are level on points, the tie-breakers are then goal difference, goals scored, team conduct score based on yellow and red cards, and FIFA ranking positions).
Scotland’s opponents, if they qualified in third, would be either the winners of Group A, E, or I, which would most likely be Mexico, Germany, or France.
They would play on either Monday, June 29 in Boston (v Group E winners, 21.30), or Tuesday, June 30 in New Jersey (v Group I winners, 22:00), or at 02:00 on Wednesday, July 1 in Mexico City (v Group A winners).
Last 16
If Scotland get through the last 32, then there’s no let-up in the last 16.
Assuming the favourites progress as group winners, then Scotland could again face either Germany or France. There’s also the chance for a meeting with England if they win Group L.
Due to the different permutations in the last 32, these fixtures are more difficult to predict.
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Quarter-finals
So, Scotland have potentially beaten Germany and France to make it to the quarter-finals. They are in dreamland, and should be full of confidence ahead of a quarter-final clash against either Netherlands or Brazil.
Semi-finals
The permutations are plenty here depending on who Scotland have faced beforehand.
But having already knocked out several big-hitters, another heavyweight such as Spain could be the test in the semi-finals.
Final
Argentina in the final in New Jersey? Dare to dream, Scotland fans?
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