Scotland are hoping to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998.
Steve Clarke's side pulled off an impressive result by defeating Greece 3-1 in October 2025 to give their qualification chances a real boost ahead of the final three matchdays of the UEFA section.
They have everything in their own hands, but there is still a lot of work for them to do if they are to be in the draw in Washington, D.C. on December 5.
Here are how the permutations look for Scotland, and what results they need to achieve that dream.
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What do Scotland need to qualify for World Cup 2026?
Scotland are in Group C of UEFA's World Cup qualifying section, along with Denmark, Greece, and Belarus.
In order to qualify automatically for next year's World Cup finals, they must finish top of their qualifying section. If they finish second, they will go into a playoff tournament, which takes place next March, along with 15 other sides. Four teams from this playoff section will also qualify for the World Cup.
MORE: Updated standings in the UEFA World Cup qualifying section
Scotland's remaining World Cup qualifying matches
Scotland defeated Belarus 2-1 on October 12, and they have two more games in Group C in November: an away match against Greece, and a home game with Denmark. Nothing will be decided before those final two rounds of fixtures in November.
Saturday, November 15:
Greece vs. Scotland
Denmark vs. Belarus
Tuesday, November 18:
Belarus vs. Greece
Scotland vs. Denmark
Scotland World Cup 2026 qualifying permutations
After beating Belarus, Scotland have 10 points from their first four Group C games.
- If Scotland then beat Greece AND Denmark, they will be guaranteed to finish top of Group C and qualify for the World Cup, regardless of other results in the group.
- If Scotland beat Greece and then lose to Denmark, Scotland will be assured of at least a second-place finish and will qualify for the UEFA playoff round. The same applies if Scotland defeat Greece and then draw with Denmark. Whether or not they go one better and finish top of the standings would depend on the results that Brian Riemer's team secure in their other remaining qualifiers.
- If Scotland fail to beat Greece AND Denmark, they will need favours from elsewhere if they are to claim top spot or second place in the group.
What happens if Denmark beat Greece?
If Denmark beat Greece on October 12, both they and Scotland will have 10 points from four games. That then sets up the prospect of a decisive final match between the two on November 18, and it would eliminate Greece from contention.
If Scotland win or draw in Athens, they would qualify for the World Cup by beating Denmark. If they lose to Greece in that away game, they could still claim top spot in the group, but they would need to defeat Denmark by a huge scoreline given their disadvantage in goal difference.
What happens if Greece beat Denmark?
If Greece defeat Denmark, then Scotland will lead the group with 10 points, Denmark will have seven, and Greece six. That would mean Clarke's team could qualify with one matchday to spare, but only if Denmark failed to defeat Belarus, which seems unlikely.
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