Scotland's John McGinn and teammates look dejected after the loss to Brazil. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Scotland is on the brink of elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026 after Senegal’s 5-0 win over Iraq on Friday.

After its 3-0 defeat to Brazil in its final Group C encounter on Wednesday, Scotland suffered a -3 goal difference with just three points, which took the chances of qualification into knockouts out of its hands.

However, the Scots have a glimmer of hope to still qualify as one of the best eight third-place teams.

READ | FIFA World Cup LIVE third-place table

What results need to occur for Scotland to qualify for Round of 32 of World Cup?

• Iran to lose to Egypt
• Algeria to lose to Egypt by two goals or more
• Uruguay to lose to Spain
• DR Congo fails to beat Uzbekistan
• Croatia to lose to Ghana by three goals or more

If even four of these five results are a possibility, then Scotland will qualify to the knockouts of a World Cup for the first time.

Published on Jun 27, 2026