Scotland World Cup 2026 Hub: Schedule, Predicted Line-Up, Odds

First World Cup since 1998 under Steve Clarke. Squad, fixtures, predicted XI, Oddschecker markets, tactics and form.

Scotland are at a World Cup for the first time since 1998, and Steve Clarke’s side arrive with ambitions of making history rather than just enjoying the occasion. With Napoli’s Scott McTominay as their talisman and captain Andy Robertson leading the side, the Tartan Army are targeting a first ever knockout-stage appearance at a World Cup.

Who are Scotland and who is in the squad?

Steve Clarke, in charge since May 2019, has taken Scotland to three consecutive major tournaments and topped their World Cup qualifying group for the first time in 44 years. Andy Robertson captains the side, while Scott McTominay, the 2024-25 Serie A Player of the Year, is the standout name after a transformative move to Napoli.

There is real Premier League and top-level experience through John McGinn, Lewis Ferguson and Ben Gannon-Doak, alongside a notable youth pick in 19 year old Findlay Curtis. Veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon, 43, is in the squad but carries an injury doubt, with Angus Gunn the alternative.

Scotland’s confirmed 26-man squad

Goalkeepers

• Craig Gordon and Angus Gunn lead the goalkeeping options (plus a third keeper; confirm against the Scottish FA list)

Defenders

• Andrew Robertson (captain), Kieran Tierney, Jack Hendry, Scott McKenna, John Souttar, Grant Hanley, Nathan Patterson, Aaron Hickey, Anthony Ralston, Dominic Hyam

Midfielders

• Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Lewis Ferguson, Ryan Christie, Kenny McLean, Ben Gannon-Doak, Findlay Curtis, Tyler Fletcher

Forwards

• Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes, Lawrence Shankland, George Hirst, Ross Stewart

Outfield names are confirmed from the squad announced on 19 May. Craig Gordon and Angus Gunn are the named goalkeepers; verify the third keeper against the Scottish FA list before publishing.

What is Scotland’s group and fixture schedule?

Scotland are in Group C with five-time winners Brazil and 2022 semi-finalists Morocco, the same two sides they faced on their last World Cup appearance in 1998, plus Haiti. The top two, plus the eight best third placed teams, reach the Round of 32.

Their campaign-defining fixture is the opener against Haiti on 14 June, before tougher tests against Morocco and Brazil. With the expanded format, the target should be at least four points and a place in the knockout rounds for the first time.

Date (UK)	Fixture	Venue
Sat 13 June, 11pm	Brazil v Morocco	MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Sun 14 June, 2am	Haiti v Scotland	Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
Fri 19 June, 11pm	Scotland v Morocco	Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
Sat 20 June, 1:30am	Brazil v Haiti	Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Wed 24 June, 11pm	Morocco v Haiti	Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Wed 24 June, 11pm	Scotland v Brazil	Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens

 

What is Scotland’s predicted line up?

Clarke ditched his back five after Euro 2024 and now favours a 4-2-3-1. McTominay’s late runs from midfield are central, McGinn provides quality in the number ten role, and Che Adams or Lyndon Dykes lead the line. The predicted XI below comes from recent reporting.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):

Gordon; Hickey, Hendry, McKenna, Robertson; Ferguson, Christie, McTominay; Gannon-Doak, McGinn; Dykes

This is a prediction, not a confirmed team sheet. If Craig Gordon is not passed fully fit, Angus Gunn is in line to start, and Clarke has several competitive selection calls across the side.

 

Scotland One to Watch – Scott McTominay

Scotland head into the 2026 World Cup led by talisman Scott McTominay, whose transformation from a squad player at Manchester United to a star in Naples has mirrored his rise as Scotland’s most influential player. His spectacular overhead kick against Denmark is already regarded as one of Hampden Park’s greatest goals and underlines his importance to Steve Clarke’s side.

One player generating excitement is 20-year-old winger Ben Doak. Despite injury setbacks since joining Bournemouth, his pace, direct running and fearless style have made him one of Scotland’s brightest prospects. Meanwhile, Ryan Christie remains an underrated but crucial figure, bringing energy, technical quality and experience to the midfield as he approaches 75 international caps.

Off the pitch, Scotland’s famous Tartan Army is expected to make a huge impact. Returning to the World Cup after 28 years, supporters will travel in large numbers, bringing colour, passion and a festive atmosphere. Their reputation for good humour could make Scotland one of the tournament’s best-supported teams.

 

Scotland Tournament Odds

The headline Oddschecker markets for Scotland are below. Match by match anytime goalscorer and clean sheet prices are listed on the individual Oddschecker fixture pages and move right up to kick off, so pull the live prices from there at upload.

Oddschecker market	Selection	Price
To win Group C	Scotland	12/1
To qualify from Group C	Yes	1/3
To win the tournament	Scotland	250/1
Top team goalscorer	Lawrence Shankland	13/2
Stage of elimination	Round of 32	1/1

 

Lawrence Shankland is the favourite in Scotland’s top team goalscorer market at 13/2 in an open market, with Che Adams and McTominay also in the frame. For individual matches, anytime goalscorer prices and Scotland’s clean sheet prices are on the Oddschecker fixture pages.

Scotland are 1/3 to qualify and evens to be eliminated in the Round of 32, reflecting genuine optimism about reaching the knockouts. Against Haiti in particular their clean sheet price is worth checking live on Oddschecker before publishing.

18+ only. Odds sourced from Oddschecker and correct at the time of writing (9 June 2026); prices move constantly, so confirm the live price on Oddschecker before publishing or betting. Please gamble responsibly. BeGambleAware.org.

How will Scotland play? Style and tactics

Clarke’s Scotland are compact and well organised in a 4-2-3-1, built on a strong defensive platform and the threat of McTominay arriving late in the box. McGinn adds creativity and goals from the number ten role, with the full-backs, led by Robertson, providing width.

Their midfield quality and leadership make them awkward opponents, particularly for Morocco, even if topping the group looks a major ask. Set-piece threat and game management will be key to turning competitiveness into points.

What is Scotland’s recent form?

Scotland won UEFA qualifying Group C with four wins, a draw and a defeat, scoring 13 goals, with McTominay’s spectacular goals, including a bicycle kick in a 4-2 win over Denmark, central to qualification. McGinn’s halfway-line goal helped seal their return.

Form dipped in the March 2026 friendlies, however, with successive 1-0 defeats to Japan and Ivory Coast, a reminder of how fine the margins are against quality opposition.

Match	Type	Result
Scotland v Denmark	Qualifier	Won 4-2 (McTominay key)
Scotland v Japan	Friendly (Mar 2026)	Lost 0-1
Scotland v Ivory Coast	Friendly (Mar 2026)	Lost 0-1

 

Scotland World Cup 2026: frequently asked questions

Who is the Scotland captain?

Andy Robertson, the Liverpool left-back.

Who is the Scotland manager?

Steve Clarke, in charge since May 2019, who has led Scotland to three consecutive major tournaments.

When is Scotland’s first match?

Sunday 14 June 2026 against Haiti at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, 2am UK time.

Who is Scotland’s star player?

Scott McTominay of Napoli, the 2024-25 Serie A Player of the Year and the team’s talisman.

When did Scotland last play at a World Cup?

1998, in France. This is their first World Cup in 28 years and they have never reached the knockout stage.

 

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