Scotland will discover their World Cup 2026 qualifying group opponents this week, with the draw for the set to take place on Friday in Zurich.
It has been close to three decades since the Tartan Army were last at a World Cup, and Steve Clarke and his squad will be desperate to return to the world’s premiere football tournament for the first time since 1998.
Qualification for back-to-back European Championships, coupled with memorable wins over Spain, Norway and Croatia, have given Scotland fans hope that they can finally end their World Cup exile and seal their place at the 2026 tournament, which is set to take place across USA, Canada and Mexico.
With the draw for the European section of the qualifiers soon to be revealed, Scotland have been placed in pot three of the draw, where they will be drawn against one nations from pot one, one from pot two, one from pot four, and potentially one from pot five.
But who would be the best - and worst - teams for Scotland to be drawn against based on form and recent history? We rank all 41 of Scotland’s potential qualifying opponents, from most attractive to most difficult.
33. Hungary - pot 2
Probably the one side Scotland would prefer to avoid from pot two. Arguably the best team in that particular pot, they've picked up impressive draws against both Germany and Netherlands in the Nations League, so Hungary will be a stern test for the Tartan Army. Memories of that heart-breaking injury-time exit from Euro 2024 against the Hungarians is also fresh in the memory. Last 6 games: W1, D3, L2. | Getty Images
34. Belgium - pot 1
The golden generation is becoming the aging generation for Belgium, with their star players now largely in their 30s. A meek last 16 exit from Euro 2024 has been followed up by potential Nations League relegation, with an upcoming playoff against Ukraine set for March. A team in transition, it wouldn't be the worst time to face them. Last 6 games: W1, D1, L4. | Getty Images
35. Portugal - pot 1
Would another Cristiano Ronaldo tantrum after failing to get out of John Souttar's pocket be welcomed? Of course it would! There's no doubting the immense attacking talents in Portugal's ranks. Steve Clarke's could be confident of getting a result if drawn against Roberto Martinez's squad. That said, there's weaker teams in pot one. Last 6 games: W4, D2, L0. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
36. Netherlands - pot 1
While the Dutch are not yet back to their height of the late 1980s, the evidence suggests they're beginning to rise to the top of international football again after a years of mediocrity. Semi-finalists at Euro 2024, they've a number of exciting young players beginning to make their mark, and Scotland would probably prefer a slightly easier pot one opponent if possible Last 6 games: W2, D3, L1. | Getty Images for VW