Scotland
Group C · FIFA rank 40 · World Cup 2026
Eliminated in the group stage
Finished 3rd in Group C
Scotland are out, and it could hardly have been closer.
They finished 3rd in Group C on 3 points, then just missed the cut for the 8 best 3rd-place teams.
After 10 World Cups, the long wait for a first-ever knockout spot goes on.
Scotland's 2026 World Cup matches
See the full Group C standings →Scotland squad and manager
Manager: Steve Clarke
| 👕 No. | 🧑 Player | 🛡️ Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers (3) | ||
| 1 | Angus Gunn | Nottingham Forest |
| 12 | Liam Kelly | Rangers |
| 21 | Craig Gordon | Heart of Midlothian |
| Defenders (10) | ||
| 2 | Aaron Hickey | Brentford |
| 3 | Andy Robertson | Liverpool |
| 5 | Grant Hanley | Hibernian |
| 6 | Kieran Tierney | Celtic |
| 13 | Jack Hendry | Al-Ettifaq |
| 15 | John Souttar | Rangers |
| 16 | Dominic Hyam | Wrexham |
| 22 | Nathan Patterson | Everton |
| 24 | Anthony Ralston | Celtic |
| 26 | Scott McKenna | Dinamo Zagreb |
| Midfielders (6) | ||
| 4 | Scott McTominay | Napoli |
| 7 | John McGinn | Aston Villa |
| 8 | Tyler Fletcher | Manchester United |
| 11 | Ryan Christie | Bournemouth |
| 19 | Lewis Ferguson | Bologna |
| 23 | Kenny McLean | Norwich City |
| Forwards (7) | ||
| 9 | Lyndon Dykes | Charlton Athletic |
| 10 | Ché Adams | Torino |
| 14 | Ross Stewart | Southampton |
| 17 | Ben Gannon-Doak | Bournemouth |
| 18 | George Hirst | Ipswich Town |
| 20 | Lawrence Shankland | Heart of Midlothian |
| 25 | Findlay Curtis | Kilmarnock |
Scotland at the World Cup
- FIFA ranking
- #40
- World Cup appearance
- 10th
- Best finish
- Group stage
- Confederation
- UEFA
- Group
- Group C
How did Scotland just miss out on the knockouts?
Scotland are out, and they came agonizingly close to making it through.
They finished 3rd in Group C on 3 points, which is normally right on the edge of qualifying.
It started so well, a tense but professional 1-0 win over Haiti where John McGinn scored the goal.
After 28 years away, that first win had the Tartan Army dreaming.
But then it got hard, with a 1-0 loss to Morocco and a 3-0 defeat to a Brazil side in full flow.
When the last groups finished, 8 other 3rd-place teams had more points, so Scotland fell just short of the cut.
There is real quality in this squad, led by captain Andy Robertson (Liverpool) and midfielder Scott McTominay.
The mood is heartbreak, because after 10 World Cups without ever reaching the knockouts, they were so nearly there.
Scotland's recent results
- W4-0BoliviaJune 6, 2026Friendly
- W4-1CuraçaoMay 30, 2026Friendly
- L0-1Ivory CoastMarch 31, 2026Friendly
Last 12 months before the tournament. Source: international match records.
Common questions
Which group were Scotland in at the 2026 World Cup?
Scotland were in Group C with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti. They finished 3rd in the group.
Who is Scotland's manager?
Scotland are managed by Steve Clarke.
What is Scotland's best World Cup result?
Scotland's best World Cup result is Group stage.
Are Scotland still in the 2026 World Cup?
No, Scotland were knocked out in the group stage, finishing 3rd in Group C.
What is Scotland's FIFA ranking?
Scotland are ranked 40 in the FIFA world rankings.