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
