Scotland rode their luck against Belarus but goals from Che Adams and Scott McTominay helped the hosts take another step towards qualifying for the World Cup with a sloppy 2-1 win at Hampden.
Steve Clarke’s side had the opportunity to rack up crucial goal difference against the 100th ranked side in the world when Adams fired the Tartan Army ahead after just 15 minutes, but a disjointed second half performance left the hosts grateful for all three points.
With Scotland sleepwalking, Belarus thought they equalised when Evgeni Malashevich turned home, but Clarke’s men were granted a reprieve after VAR spotted a foul on McTominay in the build-up.
It was a fortunate break and McTominay doubled Scotland’s lead late on to move them top of Group C - three points clear of Denmark. McTominay’s goal was needed as Gleb Kuchko pulled a soft goal back deep in stoppage time.
Scotland are guaranteed a play-off spot at the very least after Denmark defeated Greece 3-1 in Copenhagen. Scotland will visit the already-eliminated Greece next month before hosting Denmark at Hampden.
Follow live updates from Scotland v Belarus, below
Scotland v Belarus LIVE: Latest score and updates
- FULL TIME! Scotland limp to 2-1 win over Belarus In World Cup qualifying
- 90+6' GOAL! Kuchko gets Belarus a deserved consolation [SCO 2-1 BLR]
- 84' GOAL! McTominay fires home puts the game to bed [SCO 2-0 BLR]
- 63' NO GOAL! Malashevich denied after VAR spots foul in build-up [SCO 1-0 BLR]
- 62' NO PENALTY! Scotland denied after Adams goes down [SCO 1-0 BLR]
- 16' GOAL! Adams strike awarded by VAR after offside [SCO 1-0 BLR]
- Greece travel to Denmark later this evening as qualification race hots up
Stop the count!
Sunday 12 October 2025 20:30
,
Will Castle
Scotland may have looked far from World Cup quality tonight, but as we await the result of Denmark’s clash with Greece, they are top of their qualifying group!
A reminder a Denmark win will guarantee the Tartan Army a top-two finish and at least a shot in the World Cup qualifying play-offs.
One step closer...
Report: Scotland ride luck against Belarus to take another step towards World Cup qualification
Sunday 12 October 2025 20:10
,
Will Castle
Scotland escaped embarrassment as they notched an unconvincing 2-1 win over Group C makeweights Belarus to take another step towards the 2026 World Cup finals.
On a night Steve Clarke took charge of the national side for a record-breaking 72nd time, striker Che Adams fired the home team ahead after 15 minutes to give the Scots the interval lead.
Carlos Alos’ side had a goal disallowed in the second half for a foul on Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay in the build-up before the Napoli star struck in the 84th minute with a finish from 10 yards.
Belarus substitute Hleb Kuchko reduced the deficit in the sixth minute of added time and in a qualification section that might come down to goal difference – Belarus lost by five to Greece and six to Denmark – the Tartan Army had hoped for more goals and a more fluid performance.
Nevertheless, the Scots have 10 points from 12 as they prepare to travel to Greece and host Denmark next month to conclude the quick-fire qualification campaign.
Full report:
VAR kept busy
Sunday 12 October 2025 19:50
,
Will Castle
There wasn’t a shortage of VAR checks at Hampden Park tonight.
From Che Adams’ initially ruled-out opener, to Scotland’s denied penalty, to Belarus’ chalked off equaliser - the video officials were kept busy.
Steve Clarke pulls no punches
Sunday 12 October 2025 19:45
,
Will Castle
“I have to be honest, tonight I was really, really disappointed in my team,” he said. “I don't think we got anywhere near the levels we can reach and that was really disappointing.
"I'm going to have to have a good look at the two games. The first game, we dug in when it wasn't going our way. Tonight, the game was far too open and we didn't control the game without the ball, and we weren't good enough with the ball.
"Both sides of the ball were wrong tonight."
Scott McTominay provides post-match thoughts
Sunday 12 October 2025 19:30
,
Will Castle
“We know every game from now until the end is so important,” McTominay told BBC Scotland.
"It's been good in terms of points picked up but we know we've got to be better than what we've shown, everybody does, me included.
"We've got to be at a higher standard than this. It's difficult to put into words how much I see in training and you see that in glimpses on the pitch.
"We know we've got such a great team spirit. The manager had every right not to be happy at half-time. We just want to repay him, he's such a fantastic manager and we want to get to a major tournament.
"We've got some spirit because when we went 1-0 down the other night [against Greece] we managed to come back. It's such a key aspect of a team like ours. Add a little bit of quality and we'll do well."
Know of Katy Perry now, Steve?
Sunday 12 October 2025 19:10
,
Will Castle
Katy Perry anthem “Roar” echoes around an emptying Hampden Park - perhaps a nudge-nudge-wink-wink at Steve Clarke’s comments last week, when he admitted he didn’t particularly care for the fact he was staying in the same Glasgow hotel as the pop star.
Scotland escape embarrassment with victory against Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 19:06
,
Will Castle
FULL-TIME! Scotland 2-1 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 19:00
,
Will Castle
A collective sigh of relief is puffed out of Hampden Park.
It’s not a performance to be proud of, but Scotland have squeaked to three points against resident group punching bag Belarus.
You wouldn’t have thought Steve Clarke would have taken a tight 2-1 victory before kick-off. He absolutely will now!
Scotland 2-1 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:59
,
Will Castle
90+9 mins: We’ve had the eight minutes. In possession, is there one more chance for Belarus?
Scotland 2-1 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:58
,
Will Castle
90+8 mins: Belarus, under little pressure, are lumping the ball forward as they seek a remarkable recovery.
Scotland have been poor tonight - they’ll take any result.
GOAL! Scotland 2-1 Belarus (Kuchko, 90+6')
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:56
,
Will Castle
Belarus get the goal they’ll feel they deserve, with Kuchko getting there before Robertson and slotting home.
Surely they don’t have enough time to salvage this?
Scotland 2-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:53
,
Will Castle
90+2 mins: Another Belarus opening goes awry as Ebong gets into the box and sees his effort deflected waywards.
Gunn puts his arms up as the ball flies out - surely he wasn’t claiming for a goal kick there?
Scotland 2-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:51
,
Will Castle
90+1 mins: And another change. Gannon-Doak off for Bowie.
EIGHT minutes added on for all the stoppages. It would have been a whole lot more nervy had McTominay not doubled Scotland’s lead.
Scotland 2-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:49
,
Will Castle
89 mins: Double change for Scotland as Miller and Dykes enter the fray in place of Gilmour and Adams.
Demchenko and Karpovich are also on for Belarus.
Scotland 2-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:48
,
Will Castle
88 mins: This feels like it’s over - but Belarus just came forward and saw an effort flash dangerously past the far post.
That could have easily crept in, as could have been knocked in by a Scotland body.
Scotland 2-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:47
,
Will Castle
87 mins: It’s not been a straightforward night, has it?
Safe to say the tension levels have dropped quite a bit since that second goal has gone in.
It could have been three after the Belarus keeper was left in no man’s land, but Gilmour couldn’t hit the target from range.
GOAL! Scotland 2-0 Belarus (McTominay, 84')
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:44
,
Will Castle
That will do it!
Muted celebrations from McTominay as he fires past Lapoukhov on the half-volley, but that should seal all three points on an awkward night at Hampden.
Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:43
,
Will Castle
83 mins: Two Belarus fouls in quick succession sees Ebonh booked - the second yellow of the day.
The visitors have now brought on Kuchko and Kozrun as they search for a late equaliser.
Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:41
,
Will Castle
81 mins: A potential penalty check appears on the big screens at Hampden, but nothing seems to be happening. Maybe a technical mishap.
Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:39
,
Will Castle
79 mins: It’s another heart-in-mouth moment for Scotland as a green shirt gets there first and drives into the box before going down under the challenge of Souttar.
Any optimistic penalty appeals are ignored by the referee - but Belarus are spending more and more time in Gunn’s box.
It’s not pleasing the home fans, who are beginning to jeer their own players.
Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:36
,
Will Castle
75 mins: This felt like a forgone conclusion ahead of kick-off, but it’s been anything but as we head into the final 15.
Belarus are putting pressure on the final third at the moment, too. They’ve got a corner coming up. Nervy times.
Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:32
,
Will Castle
72 mins: No goal it is, and Scotland use the stoppage to make a pair of changes.
Hendry and Ralston make way for Souttar and Tierney.
NO GOAL! Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:31
,
Will Castle
70 mins: Adams has the ball in the net again - but the flag goes straight up again!
Even if he was onside this time around, it looked like it went in off Adams’ arm anyway. He had his head in his hands after it went in, so it looked like he knew.
That said, a VAR check is going on. Again.
Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:29
,
Will Castle
69 mins: The tension levels inside Hampden Park have skyrocketed and Scotland really feel like they need a second now.
The crowd is getting more vocal as they demand a response from the Tartan Army.
For Belarus, Pechenin has just become the first player to enter the book.
NO GOAL! Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:26
,
Will Castle
65 mins: What a let-off.
After the referee goes over to the monitor, he adjudges that McTominay was fouled as his knee collided with the Belarus man.
VAR has truly gone from zero to hero in Hampden Park in the matter of a couple minutes.
GOAL! Scotland 1-1 Belarus (Malashevich, 63')
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:23
,
Will Castle
Moments after Scotland thought they had a penalty, BELARUS ARE LEVEL!
Malashevich tucks home after McTominay was robbed of the ball in the build-up.
Scotland are furious because they think McTominay was fouled - and VAR are checking it.
NO PENALTY! Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:21
,
Will Castle
62 mins: The referee watches it over, and over, and over again... but he makes his mind up.
It is handball - but AGAINST Che Adams in the build-up!
No penalty.
Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:20
,
Will Castle
59 mins: Scotland have a real case for a penalty here!
Adams gets into the box and is under pressure from a Belarus body, who ends up going down and swiping an arm at the ball inside the area.
It’s pretty bewildering, and VAR are taking their sweet over this. And now, the referee is off to the monitor...
Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:18
,
Will Castle
57 mins: This time its Lapoukov who nearly encounters disaster - racing out of his box to deal with a forward ball - but manages to get out of trouble and spark a counter-attack.
Belarus work it forward and try to get an effort away, but it’s deflected and Gunn gets across to prevent the corner.
Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:14
,
Will Castle
54 mins: SAVE! Clean hit by McGinn from the edge of the area but Lapoukhov is equal to it, getting low to parry away.
Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:14
,
Will Castle
52 mins: Gannon-Doak nearly runs into trouble in his own half, but he dances out of a sticky situation and sparks a Scotland attack.
It’s played across the park to Robertson who ends up in a crossing position. It’s high and deep, just about finding Gannon-Doak whose blocked knock-back finds its way to Gilmour on the edge of the box.
The Napoli midfielder is encouraged to shoot but fires over.
Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:08
,
Will Castle
48 mins: McTominay dribbles towards the edge of the box and fires goalwards, forcing a stop out of the keeper.
Lapoukhov spilt it just a tad but luckily for Belarus, the ball didn’t go far from his grasp.
Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:07
,
Will Castle
47 mins: McGinn slips a pass for Che Adams to chase and the Belarus defence just stand still, assuming the ball will go out.
It doesn’t, Adams gets there and fires a ball across, but the chance comes to nothing. Strange one nonetheless.
BACK UNDERWAY! Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:05
,
Will Castle
And we’re off again! No changes for either side.
Scotland will no doubt try to put this to bed as quickly as possible.
The teams are back out
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:04
,
Will Castle
Second half coming up, folks.
HALF-TIME! Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 18:02
,
Will Castle
HALF-TIME! Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:55
,
Will Castle
HALF-TIME! Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:49
,
Will Castle
A somewhat frustrating first half but Scotland go into the break in front.
The hosts were grateful for Che Adams’ 15th-minute opener, which helped thwart some Belarus’ early momentum at Hampden Park.
Scotland have nevertheless looked quite standoffish and haven’t been able to shut this one out, nor have they really had the opportunity to.
Steve Clarke will want more from his side after the break, but as long as they come away with the three points, the Scots won’t have much reason to complain.
Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:49
,
Will Castle
45+2 mins: More great feet from Gannon-Doak as he darts into space and drives at the box.
His shot is blocked and loops into the hands of an uncertain Belarus stopper.
Every time he gets the ball, something feels like happening. It’s just that final decision that needs work.
Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:47
,
Will Castle
45 mins: TWO minutes added on at the end of the first-half.
Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:46
,
Will Castle
44 mins: SAVE! Such positive play from Gannon-Doak as he leaves his man for dead on halfway, turning and sprinting towards the box.
He has Adams square but goes alone, forcing a fine stop out of Lapoukhov.
Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:44
,
Will Castle
42 mins: Great play from Adams, switching play out wide for Gannon-Doak to try and deliver.
Once again, his cross doesn’t beat the first man, but he wins a corner.
Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:42
,
Will Castle
40 mins: Gannon-Doak is hacked down by Yablonskiy and looks in some discomfort.
Luckily, it doesn’t seem like it’s too serious as he gets back to his feet. Play is back underway.
Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:40
,
Will Castle
37 mins: Another opening for Belarus as Barkovskiy unleashes an effort that doesn’t come too far away from troubling Gunn.
Scotland are escaping unscathed at the moment, but if they keep letting Belarus get into these spaces, they could well be punished.
Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:36
,
Will Castle
31 mins: CHANCE! Belarus give it away, allowing Robertson, McTominay and McGinn to combine and fashion a chance for Adams.
The strike gets onto the ball across the box but fires high and wide, going down under the pressure of a Belarus body. He wants a penalty but after a short VAR check, nothing is given.
Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:33
,
Will Castle
30 mins: Ouch. McKenna inadvertantly fish-hooks the eye of Barkovskiy as he jumps for a header.
That’s a sore one, but he looks okay.
Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:31
,
Will Castle
27 mins: While Belarus have had the wind taken out of their sails by Che Adams’ opener, the visitors are still finding it pretty easy to get into Scotland’s final third.
Malashevich gets into space and goes for the screamer from range, which flies high and wide past the goal. And moments later, Belarus work the ball into the box and fire an effort that requires Gunn to make a comfortable stop.
Nothing damaging as of yet, but their early optimism hasn’t been completely snuffed.
Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:27
,
Will Castle
24 mins: Great turn by Gannon-Doak, who shows off his electrifying pace and agility to drive down the right.
However, his final product still has something to be desired. His pass to McTominay doesn’t beat the first man.
Scotland 1-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:22
,
Will Castle
19 mins: It had been an unconvincing start from the Scots - but with that opener, attention turns to racking up the scoreline.
That’s the 14th goal Belarus have conceded in qualifying, and given how crucial goal difference could prove in this group, their leaky defence could have huge ramifications on who finishes where.
GOAL! Scotland 1-0 Belarus (Adams, 15')
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:19
,
Will Castle
Finger to the ear from the referee.. and the goal is GIVEN!
Adams gets himself back onside, controls Hendry’s pass and smashes into the bottom-left corner.
Scotland haven’t been great so far, but they won’t care. They have the lead!
NO GOAL! Scotland 0-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:18
,
Will Castle
15 mins: Che Adams has the ball in the net with a wonderful left-footed finish - and the flag has gone up!
But, but, but - replays seem to show that Adams was in fact onside. VAR could be about to intervene...
Scotland 0-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:16
,
Will Castle
Scotland 0-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:14
,
Will Castle
12 mins: First shot from Scotland as Adams works it into the box and drives a shot towards the near post - into the side netting.
Better from the hosts.
Scotland 0-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:12
,
Will Castle
11 mins: Clean header from Zabelin was all too easily won, and it wasn’t a million miles away as it lands on the roof of the net.
A really pedestrian start from Scotland so far.
Scotland 0-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:11
,
Will Castle
10 mins: Important block from McLean to prevent a travelling shot from outside the box from reaching Gunn’s goal.
Belarus have had three corners inside the opening 10 minutes.
Scotland 0-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:10
,
Will Castle
8 mins: Another half-chance for Belarus, there. One ball over the top gets Barkovskiy in behind, who jogs into the box and flashes a low pass across goal.
It’s turned behind by a blue shirt rather than tapped in by a green one, but it’s another warning sign from underdogs Belarus, who have started the brighter so far.
Scotland 0-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:07
,
Will Castle
6 mins: First glimpse in the final third for Scotland as Robertson whips in from deep - an inviting delivery but with no takers in the box.
Up the other end, Pechenin is causing trouble again down the left, but his flick over the head is dealt with in the end.
Scotland 0-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:06
,
Will Castle
4 mins: Optimistic look at the referee from Malashevich, trying to pounce on a bouncing ball on the edge of the box before going down under pressure from a Scotland body.
Immediately waved away.
Scotland 0-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:03
,
Will Castle
2 mins: Belarus start on the front foot, whipping in a delivery from the left that is flicked away by Robertson.
The skipper than blocks the follow up to concede a throw in the Scotland final third.
KICK-OFF! Scotland 0-0 Belarus
Sunday 12 October 2025 17:01
,
Will Castle
We are underway at Hampden Park! Nothing short of a win will do for Scotland this afternoon.
Flower of Scotland rings around Hampden
Sunday 12 October 2025 16:58
,
Will Castle
What a noise. This country is raring for a World Cup in nearly three decades.
Here come the teams
Sunday 12 October 2025 16:57
,
Will Castle
Both sets of players make their way out under the Hampden lights. Anthems to come.
A reminder that by the end of today, Scotland could already have guaranteed themselves a World Cup qualification play-off, presuming results go their way.
Steve Clarke to reach historic milestone
Sunday 12 October 2025 16:55
,
Will Castle
This is game 72 in office for Steve Clarke, surpassing the late, great Craig Brown as Scotland's longest-serving manager in terms of matches.
Can he take the Tartan Army to the brink of World Cup qualification?
T-minus 10 minutes until kick-off
Sunday 12 October 2025 16:50
,
Will Castle
We are just 10 minutes away from kick-off at Hampden Park.
By the end of today, Scotland could be guaranteed at least a play-off finish as they seek to qualify for their first World Cup since 1998.
Better yet, they could finish the international break at the pinnacle of their group. It’s an exciting time to be in the Tartan Army.
We’ll have Scotland vs Belarus, next up.
Thomas Tuchel’s ‘silent Wembley’ criticism brings unwanted distraction after England’s progress
Sunday 12 October 2025 16:38
,
Jack Rathborn
Thomas Tuchel urged the team’s supporters to improve the atmosphere after an excellent 3-0 win over Wales, but such criticism should not take attention away from positive signs ahead of next year’s World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Jack Rathborn delves deeper into England’s progress:
World Cup 2026: Who is already through?
Sunday 12 October 2025 16:25
,
Will Castle
Here’s a rundown of which nations have already qualified for next year’s World Cup:
Europe
Qualifying places available: 16
Teams already qualified: None
South America
Qualifying places available: Six, plus one into intercontinental play-offs
Teams already qualified: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay
Africa
Qualifying places available: Nine, plus one into intercontinental play-offs
Teams already qualified: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria
Asia
Qualifying places available: Eight, plus one into intercontinental play-offs
Teams already qualified: Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia
Americas
Qualifying places available: Six (including three hosts USA, Canada and Mexico), plus two into intercontinental play-offs
Teams already qualified: None through qualifying (USA, Canada and Mexico automatically as co-hosts)
Oceania
Qualifying places available: One, plus one into intercontinental play-offs
Teams already qualified: New Zealand
Steven Gerrard rules himself out of contention for Rangers return
Sunday 12 October 2025 16:12
