Can Scotland still qualify for the World Cup knockouts? What needs to happen as hopes fade

FootballSports
26 Jun 2026 • 3:46 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Can Scotland still qualify for the World Cup knockouts? What needs to happen as hopes fade

  • Scotland's World Cup qualification hopes are on the brink after they finished third in Group C with three points and a goal difference of -3, following a 3-0 defeat to Brazil.
  • Their progression to the knockout rounds, which would mark a historic first for the team, is now entirely out of their hands and dependent on other group stage results.
  • To qualify, Scotland must be among the best eight third-placed teams from the 12 groups, requiring at least four other teams to finish with fewer than three points or a worse goal difference than -3.
  • The team faces an anxious wait, potentially until Sunday, for the conclusion of all group stage fixtures to determine their fate, with some early results already narrowing their path to qualification.
  • Should Scotland advance, they are currently projected to face Group A winners Mexico in the last-32, with a potential match against England in the round of 16 if both teams progress.

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