The Tartan Army have waited and waited but finally Scotland return to the World Cup this summer.
Steve Clarke’s side are one of the 48 heading to the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Group C is a tough one, with the Scots drawn alongside Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti, but there is still belief that they can make it through to the knockout stages.
They’ve got the players to cause some shocks in the knockout stages as well and this could become a special summer for Scottish football.
Clarke’s squad won’t be looking past the group but fans will be dreaming of what lies beyond.
We’ve mapped out the route to the final so you don’t have to and picked the most likely route, as well as where they would be playing, based on the highest-ranked teams making it through.
With too many permutations if Scotland finish third, when they would be drawn first against the play the winners of Groups A, E or I, we’ve focused on their route should they win or come second in Group C.
Radio Times looks at the most likely path Scotland may tread if they advance through the rounds at World Cup 2026 – assuming there are no major shocks.
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Who will Scotland play in the round of 32?
Group winners
Scotland will play the Group F runner-up, most likely Japan at 2am on Monday 29 June at Houston Stadium.
Second place
Scotland will play the Group F winner, most likely Netherlands at 6pm on Tuesday 30 June at Monterrey Stadium.
Who will Scotland play in the round of 16?
Group winners
Scotland will play Senegal at 9pm on Sunday 5 July at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Second place
Scotland will play South Korea at 6pm on Saturday 4 July at Houston Stadium.
Who will Scotland play in the quarter-finals?
Group winners
Scotland will play England at 10pm on Saturday 11 July at Miami Stadium.
Second place
Scotland will play France at 9pm on Thursday 9 July at Boston Stadium.
Who could Scotland play in the semi-finals?
Group winners
Scotland will play Argentina at 8pm on Wednesday 15 July at Atlanta Stadium.
Second place
Scotland will play Spain at 8pm on Tuesday 14 July at Dallas Stadium.
Who could Scotland play in the final?
Group winners
Scotland will play Spain at 8pm on Sunday 19 July at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Second place
Scotland will play England at 8pm on Sunday 19 July at New York New Jersey Stadium.
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Authors
Ned is a sports writer at RadioTimes.com. He has covered a host of sports from EFL football, international cricket and golf all the way through to bike polo and triathlon.
