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.
MORE: All the teams to have qualified so far for the 2026 World Cup
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.
Thanks to Denmark's victory over Greece on October 12, the Tartan Army are now guaranteed at least a playoff place.
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, the positioning of the top two will depend on Denmark's result against Belarus. Assuming they win that match, they will finish top provided that they avoid defeat to Scotland.
- If Scotland draw against Greece and Denmark, they will finish second in the group unless Denmark lose to Belarus.
- If Scotland lose to Greece and draw with Denmark, they will finish second in the group unless Denmark are beaten heavily by Belarus, which is unlikely.
- If Scotland draw with Greece and then lose to Denmark, they will finish second in the group. And if they lose both games, they will finish second.
What Denmark win over Greece means for Scotland
Denmark's 3-1 victory over Greece on October 12 means both they and Scotland will have 10 points from four games. The Danes are top of the group by virtue of a superior goal difference (+11 to Scotland's +5).
That sets up the prospect of a decisive final match between the two on November 18. Greece are now out of contention to finish in the top two.
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.
MORE: What France, England, Nigeria and more need to qualify this month