Scotland's potential route to the World Cup final has been mapped out ahead of their crucial Group C clash against Brazil on Wednesday. The Tartan Army faces a daunting task, but a victory could set up a historic meeting with England in the quarter-finals.
If Scotland Win Group C
Should Scotland pull off a shock against Brazil and top their group, they will enter the Round of 32 against the runner-up from Group F, currently Japan. The match kicks off in Houston on June 29 at 6pm BST. A victory would lead to a last-16 tie in New Jersey on July 5 at 9pm BST, likely against the runner-up of Group E or Group I, potentially the Ivory Coast or Erling Haaland's Norway.
As group winners, Scotland's quarter-final path leads to Miami on Saturday July 12 at 10pm BST, where they could face England. A semi-final victory would send them to Atlanta on July 15 at 8pm BST, possibly against Lionel Messi's Argentina.
If Scotland Finish Second or Third
If Scotland finish second in Group C, they will face the Group F winner, likely the Netherlands, in the Round of 32. A third-place finish could see them play Germany in Boston on May 29 at 9.30pm BST. Winning that match would likely lead to France in Philadelphia on July 4 at 10pm BST, followed by a quarter-final against the Netherlands or Morocco. A semi-final on this side of the bracket could pit them against Spain or the United States.
Potential England Clash
If Scotland top their group, a quarter-final against England is possible. If they finish second, they can only meet England in the final, unless England finish second in Group L, in which case a semi-final could occur. The 2026 World Cup final is at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, kicking off at 8pm BST.
