Scotland stand on the brink of ending nearly three decades of World Cup heartbreak. After a strong qualifying campaign under Steve Clarke, the national team could secure automatic qualification for next summer’s tournament - their first appearance on football’s biggest stage since France 1998 - in front of a home crowd at Hampden Park next week.

With two games remaining, Scotland sit second in Group D behind Spain, and their route to qualification now depends on a precise combination of results across the final round of fixtures.

“We’ve earned the right to dream,” Clarke said after the 2–0 win over Georgia last month. “But dreams only matter when you finish the job.”

The Scenarios

1. Win and They’re In

If Scotland beat Norway at Hampden Park, they are guaranteed automatic qualification regardless of Spain’s result. That victory would mathematically eliminate Norway and secure Scotland a top-two finish.

2. Draw and Hope for Spain

If Clarke’s men draw against Norway, they can still qualify automatically if Spain avoid defeat against Georgia in Madrid. Spain’s superior goal difference means they would stay top, keeping Scotland safely in second.

3. Lose and Wait

A defeat to Norway would complicate matters significantly, leaving Scotland dependent on other results. If Norway then beat Cyprus in their final match and Scotland fail to beat Georgia away, Clarke’s side could slip into the playoff positions — a risky scenario given Europe’s unpredictable playoff format.

“We’ve been in this position before,” said former captain Graeme Souness on Sky Sports. “The difference now is belief. Clarke’s Scotland know how to manage games, not just chase them.”

What’s Working for Scotland

This campaign has showcased a more mature and defensively disciplined Scotland, anchored by the leadership of Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, and Scott McTominay, whose six goals from midfield have been vital.

The back three of Tierney, Jack Hendry, and Ryan Porteous has provided balance, while Angus Gunn’s consistency in goal has silenced early criticism. Up front, Lyndon Dykes and Che Adams have provided physical presence even when goals have been scarce.

“The togetherness is obvious,” said former striker Kenny Miller. “This is a team built on graft, not glamour — and that’s exactly what Scottish football has always been about.”

Hampden Awaits History

The stakes could not be higher. A sold-out Hampden Park is expected to erupt when Scotland walk out next week knowing victory means redemption after 28 years of near-misses, heartbreaks, and what-ifs.

Scotland last qualified for the World Cup in 1998, when Craig Brown’s squad featured the likes of Colin Hendry, Paul Lambert, and John Collins. They opened that tournament against Brazil — and haven’t been back since.

Now, a new generation has the chance to rewrite that narrative.

“We’ve carried the scars of the past,” said Clarke. “But this team isn’t playing to escape history — we’re playing to make our own.”

The Takeaway

Scotland’s qualification story is no longer a question of potential — it’s one of execution. Win at Hampden, and a nation that has waited nearly three decades can finally return to the world stage.

Lose, and the ghosts of past campaigns will return to haunt them once again.

“This is Scotland’s moment,” said Souness. “They just have to take it.”