Scotland will finally learn their path at the 2026 FIFA World Cup this Friday, as the global draw ceremony sets the stage for the first 48-team tournament. The Tartan Army, qualifying for football's biggest event for the first time since 1998, now know they will be drawn from Pot 3, shaping their chances of a historic run in North America.
Scotland's Draw Pots and Possible Opponents
The draw takes place at 5pm GMT on Friday 5 December at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., with U.S. President Donald Trump expected to attend. The 48 qualified nations are split into four pots, with one team from each pot forming the 12 groups. As a Pot 3 side, Scotland will face one team from each of the other pots.
Their potential opponents are now confirmed. From Pot 1, they could draw hosts Canada, Mexico, or the USA, or top seeds like Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, or Germany. From Pot 2, options include Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, Iran, South Korea, Ecuador, Austria, or Australia. Their final opponent will come from Pot 4, featuring nations like Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, Curaçao, Haiti, New Zealand, and the winners of four European play-off paths and two FIFA play-off tournaments.
Could Scotland Face England in the Group Stage?
Yes, a Scotland vs England clash at the group stage is a distinct possibility. While teams from the same confederation are usually kept apart, UEFA has 16 teams to fit into just 12 groups. This means four groups will contain two European nations. However, a specific rule could prevent the old rivals from meeting: if England were to draw Croatia, Switzerland, or Austria from Pot 2, they would then be unable to draw another European side from Pot 3, ruling out Scotland.
Dream and Nightmare Scenarios for Steve Clarke's Side
Analysts are already mapping out the best and worst-case scenarios for Scotland. A dream draw that would give Steve Clarke immense confidence could see them pitted against a host nation like Canada or the USA from Pot 1, followed by Austria or Australia from Pot 2, and a team like Cape Verde or Haiti from Pot 4.
Conversely, a nightmare group would be a brutal test. This could involve world champions Argentina from Pot 1, 2022 semi-finalists Morocco from Pot 2, and a dangerous European play-off winner like Italy from Pot 4. Scotland's recent 2-0 victory over Spain, however, shows they need not fear any opponent on their day.
Having reached the last two European Championships but failed to win a game or progress, Scotland's primary goal is to advance from a major tournament group for the first time ever. The 2026 draw in Washington will determine if they have a fighting chance to make history.
