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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Michael Jones

How can Scotland qualify for World Cup knockout rounds?

  • Scotland 's national football team finished third in Group C of the World Cup 2026 after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil .
  • Their qualification for the knockout rounds, which would be a historic first, now depends on the results of other group stage matches.
  • To progress, Scotland needs four of the other third-placed teams from the 12 groups to finish with fewer than three points or a worse goal difference than their -3.
  • The team faces an agonising wait, potentially until Sunday, to discover their fate as the final group stage fixtures conclude.
  • Should they qualify, Scotland could face Mexico in the last-32, with a potential match against England in the round of 16.

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