New York, December 06, 2025
Scotland has been drawn into Group C for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Their opponents include Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti, presenting a challenging lineup as Scotland returns to the World Cup after a 28-year absence.
Group Composition and Opponents
Scotland faces Brazil, five-time World Cup champions and perennial favorites, known for their strong tournament history. Morocco, the 2022 World Cup semifinalists and trailblazers as the first African nation to reach that stage, present a formidable challenge. Haiti, making only their second World Cup appearance since 1974, rounds out the group as the perceived underdog but with the potential to impact early fixtures.
Scotland’s World Cup Context and Manager’s Response
This marks Scotland’s ninth World Cup appearance and the first since 1998. Historically, Scotland has not advanced beyond the group stage in eight prior tournaments. Scotland’s manager, Steve Clarke, has openly welcomed the competitive environment, stating: “Bring it on. We’re ready for the challenge. We’ve qualified for the first time in 28 years, and now we’re in a group with Brazil and Morocco – two of the toughest teams in the draw.” Clarke emphasized that the team does not intend to be mere participants and aims to reach the tournament’s knockout rounds for the first time.
Tournament Format and Advancement Opportunities
The 2026 World Cup will expand to 48 teams, organized into groups where the top 12 group winners, 12 runners-up, and eight best third-placed teams will advance to a round of 32. This structure theoretically increases Scotland’s chances of progressing past the group stage, even when placed in a challenging group such as Group C.
Scheduled Fixtures
Scotland’s provisional group-stage matches are as follows: on June 13, 2026, Scotland will likely face Haiti in either Boston or New York. On June 19, they will play Brazil, with Philadelphia or Boston as potential venues. Finally, on June 24, the team will meet Morocco, expected to take place in Miami or Atlanta. Exact kick-off times and stadium details will be confirmed closer to the tournament.
Strategic Implications and Preparations
Scotland’s preparation will focus on tactically managing Brazil’s offensive strength and Morocco’s disciplined defensive setup. The opening match against Haiti is considered critical for securing early points and establishing momentum within the group.
Scotland’s return to the World Cup stage aligns with both opportunity and significant challenge. With historical context, a manager focused on progression, and a tournament format favoring advancement, Scotland is poised to test its capabilities against some of football’s top contenders.