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Who could Scotland play in the round of 32? Route to World Cup 2026 final
Scotland are back at the World Cup for the first time since 1998, but who could they face in the tournament?
(Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
- Ned Holmes
Published: Thursday, 25 June 2026 at 10:00 am
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Scotland's World Cup 2026 fate hangs in the balance after their Group C campaign ended with a 3-0 defeat to Brazil on Wednesday.
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The Scots could still reach the knock-out stages for the first time in their history but only as one of the eight best third-placed teams, which leaves them sweating on results elsewhere.
Steve Clarke's side are currently seventh of the 12 eighth-placed teams – though the majority of those sides are still to play.
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While there is life, there is hope for the Tartan Army and some may even be dreaming about what the knock-out stages could hold.
We've mapped out the route to the final so you don't have to and picked the most likely route, as well as where they would be playing, based on the highest-ranked teams making it through.
Radio Times looks at the most likely path Scotland may tread if they advance through the rounds at World Cup 2026 – assuming there are no major shocks.
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Scotland World Cup 2026 odds
In working partnership with the Radio Times, bet365 has provided the following betting odds for this event: To win World Cup 2026: 200/1 To win Group C: 6/1 To reach round of 32: 8/11 To reach last 16: 10/3 To reach quarter-finals: 11/1 To reach semi-finals: 25/1 To reach the final: 80/1 Scotland top-scorer odds: John McGinn 10/11, Scott McTominay 4/1, Lawrence Shankland 13/2, Che Adams 8/1
Could England play Scotland at the World Cup?
Firstly, the big question. Yes, England and Scotland could meet in the knock-out stages of World Cup 2026.
Should the Scots qualify as one of the best third-placed teams and make it through the round of 32, they could meet England in the round of 16.
Who will Scotland play in the round of 32?
As things stand, Scotland will face co-hosts and Group A winners Mexico at Estadio Azteca at 2am UK time on Wednesday 1 July.
Who will Scotland play in the round of 16?
Scotland will play England at Estadio Azteca at 1am UK time on Monday 5 July.
Who will Scotland play in the quarter-finals?
Scotland will play Brazil at Miami Stadium at 10pm UK time on Saturday 11 July.
Who could Scotland play in the semi-finals?
Scotland will play Argentina at 8pm on Wednesday 15 July at Atlanta Stadium.
Who could Scotland play in the final?
Scotland will play Spain at 8pm on Sunday 19 July at New York New Jersey Stadium.
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Authors
Ned Holmes
Ned is a sports writer at RadioTimes.com. He has covered a host of sports from EFL football, international cricket and golf all the way through to bike polo and triathlon.
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