Scotland has learned which Pot they will be placed in for the upcoming World Cup qualifying draw. After the Czech Republic and Slovakia secured victories, Scotland is set to be drawn from Pot 3. This outcome was determined by the results of the Nations League B games played by these two countries.
Initially, there was a possibility for Scotland to be in Pot 2, but this was dependent on the Czech Republic or Slovakia not winning their matches. However, both teams emerged victorious, sealing Scotland’s place in Pot 3 for the draw.
With this development, it is anticipated that Scotland will be pitted against one of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finalists as the Pot 1 team in the World Cup qualifying campaign. The likelihood is that Scotland will be placed in a group of four teams rather than five.
In a recent match against Poland, Scotland secured a thrilling stoppage-time win with goals from John McGinn and Andy Robertson. This victory ensured their survival in Nations League A1, but they will have to face a play-off against Greece, Austria, Ukraine, or Turkiye to determine their tier in the competition.
The play-off matches are scheduled for March 2025, preceding the commencement of World Cup qualifying in June.
The full list of World Cup qualifying pots for 2026 has been released, with Scotland placed in Pot 3 alongside other teams such as Slovenia, Republic of Ireland, and Finland. The draw will set the stage for an exciting qualifying campaign leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
In Pot 1, powerhouse teams like France, Spain, and Germany are included, while Pot 4 features teams like Bulgaria, Belarus, and Kosovo. The draw will bring together a diverse range of countries vying for a spot in the prestigious tournament.
As Scotland prepares for the World Cup qualifying draw, fans eagerly anticipate the matchups and challenges that lie ahead. With a strong performance in recent games, the team is poised to make a mark on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
