Scotland now face a decisive moment in their World Cup qualifying journey. Steve Clarke’s team will finish either first or second in their group, guaranteeing at least a play-off spot. Their victory over Belarus, along with Denmark’s win against Greece, has set up a final showdown between the two sides. Scotland visit Greece in Piraeus on Saturday, while Denmark host Belarus. The group will likely be decided when both teams meet at Hampden Park on Tuesday in a potential winner-takes-all clash.
Route to the Top of the Group
Both Scotland and Denmark sit on 10 points, but Denmark hold a superior goal difference by six goals — the primary tiebreaker if points are equal. Denmark are expected to beat Belarus again after a dominant 6-0 win last month, which would move them to 13 points. Scotland must defeat already-eliminated Greece to match that tally and force a high-stakes final game in Glasgow. A draw in Athens would still keep Scotland in contention if they manage to beat Denmark. However, a loss in Greece and a Danish win would leave Scotland needing an extraordinary victory margin in the final match to secure automatic qualification.
The Play-Off Path Awaits if Needed
If Scotland finish second, they will enter the March play-offs for one last chance to qualify. The 12 group runners-up, along with the four best Nations League group winners who fail to reach the top two, will be split into four play-off paths. Each path will feature one-leg semi-finals on 26 March, with the seeded team at home, followed by a one-leg final on 31 March. The winners of those four paths will complete the World Cup lineup for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
