Scotland kept up hope of automatic qualification for the World Cup 2026 with a potentially pivotal win against Greece in their latest World Cup 2026 qualifier.
The hosts failed to get going at Hampden Park early on, with Vangelis Pavlidis missing a golden chance within seven minutes as he failed to make contact from three yards.
That was the only notable moment of a first half that lacked any real quality in attack, though Greece were the dominant side as Scotland toiled nearly every time they had the ball.
Nevertheless, the game exploded into life in the second half as Kostas Tsimikas fired in from inside the box to open the scoring, though Scotland were miraculously back in it within two minutes as Ryan Christie fired in to equalise after pinball in the box.
The hosts defended resolutely as they pressed for a winner and they were rewarded as Lewis Ferguson rifled in from close range after a free-kick, before a superb save from Angus Gunn late on laid the foundation for Lyndon Dykes to seal a dramatic win in stoppage time.
Follow all the latest reaction from Hampden Park in our live blog below:
Scotland vs Greece live
- Scotland beat Greece in a potentially crucial World Cup qualifier
- 90 +3' GOAL! Dykes seals it after Tzolakis howler [SCO 3-1 GRE]
- 90 +2' SAVE! Gunn tips over superb Karetsas effort [SCO 2-1 GRE]
- 80' GOAL! Ferguson lashes in to give hosts the lead [SCO 2-1 GRE]
- 64' GOAL! Christie equalises moments after opener [SCO 1-1 GRE]
- 62' GOAL! Tsimikas opens the scoring for visitors [SCO 0-1 GRE]
Scotland dig deep to beat Greece and keep World Cup dream on track
Thursday 9 October 2025 22:35 , Chris WilsonLewis Ferguson netted his first Scotland goal as Steve Clarke’s side came from behind to beat Greece 3-1 and maintain their promising start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Scotland were outplayed before Kostas Tsimikas fired the visitors into a 62nd-minute lead at Hampden. But Ryan Christie levelled within two minutes following his own corner and Ferguson marked his 19th cap with a goal 10 minutes from time as Scotland capitalised on another set-piece.
Substitute Lyndon Dykes capped the comeback in stoppage-time as he pounced on a goalkeeping blunder as Scotland kept pace with Group C leaders Denmark and moved four points ahead of their opponents.
Scotland dig deep to beat Greece and keep World Cup dream on track
World Cup 2026: Who is through and how does qualifying work?
Friday 10 October 2025 00:00 , Chris WilsonEgypt have become the latest team to qualify for the World Cup 2026, with more are set to join them as international qualification resumes.
With the co-hosts USA, Canada and Mexico, there are now 21 countries confirmed, including two debutants with Jordan and Uzbekistan through to the 48-team finals.
This format means that more nations than ever will qualify from each of the seven main federations, but despite some spots already having been secured, teams in Europe still have a long way to go in their qualifying campaigns.
World Cup 2026: Who is through and how does qualifying work?
Scotland World Cup qualifying fixtures
Thursday 9 October 2025 23:40 , Chris WilsonHere are Scotland’s final three fixtures to decide whether they qualify for the 2026 World Cup:
Scotland vs Belarus - Sunday, 12 October
Greece vs Scotland - Saturday, 15 November
Scotland vs Denmark - Tuesday, 18 November
Group C Table
Thursday 9 October 2025 23:20 , Chris WilsonHere’s how the Group C table looks then:
1 - Denmark - 7pts, GD +9
2 - Scotland - 7pts, GD +4
3 - Greece - 3pts, GD -1
4 - Belarus - 0pts, GD -12
Scotland's potential opponents
Thursday 9 October 2025 23:00 , Chris WilsonWith Scotland potentially guaranteeing a play-off spot on Sunday, here’s a look at the pother teams in second place - and who Scotland could potentially play as they look to qualify.
These are the teams currently in second place:
- Northern Ireland (level on points with third-paced Germany, two games played)
- Kosovo (two games played)
- Iceland (two games played)
- Georgia (level on points with third-placed Turkey, two games played)
- Armenia (two games played)
- Poland (level with Finland, five games played)
- Bosnia-Herzegovina (six games played)
- Italy (level with Israel, four games played)
- Belgium (level with Wales, four games played)
- Albania (five games played)
- Czech Republic (level on points with Croatia, six games played)
Clarke: 'One step closer to what we want to do'
Thursday 9 October 2025 22:45 , Chris Wilson"On the performance side of it, you have to understand how hard we worked out of possession,” says Steve Clarke.
"When they scored the goal, the shackles came off a bit and from there we finished the game strong.
"The Greeks had a lot of the ball first half but they weren't carving us open.
"Football is a 90-minute game and you have to make sure you come out of it with a positive result. 3-1 maybe flatters us, but we did enough to win the game.
"It gives us three points and takes us one step closer to what we want to do,” he added.
On injuries and suspensions, he adds: "Lewis Ferguson and Ryan Christie both miss out. Aaron Hickey has picked up a small injury so I've got a bit of thinking to do.
"We can only concentrate on ourselves. We have to win here and see what the situation is after that."
FULL-TIME! Scotland 3-1 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 22:25 , Chris WilsonRyan Christie calls the result a “massive win”.
“We're not naive enough to know we weren't at our best tonight. The reaction to going 1-0 down was brilliant.
"It's been a while since I scored for my country so it's nice. Two massive games - that's one ticked off and now onto Sunday,” he added.
FULL-TIME! Scotland 3-1 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 22:15 , Chris WilsonGoalscorer Lewis Ferguson says that the result “means everything” to Scotland.
“Playing here in front of our home crowd, it's so important to pick up maximum points and we did that.
"This game means nothing if we don't win on Sunday. We'll rest, recover and go again,” he adds.
FULL-TIME! Scotland 3-1 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 22:10 , Chris WilsonA reminder that Scotland could secure a play-off place on Sunday if results go their way.
If Steve Clarke’s side win against Belarus and Greece lose away to Denmark, then Scotland would be guaranteed second spot in Group C and a play-off place at the very least!
That would mean there was a lot riding on those final two games in Greece and against Denmark at Hampden.
Next up
Thursday 9 October 2025 22:04 , Chris WilsonScotland’s next match comes against Belarus on Sunday, while Greece travel to Denmark to try and keep their campaign alive.
After that, Scotland have their final two matches of the qualification campaign in November – against Greece in Piraeus and against Denmark at Hampden!
FULL-TIME! Scotland 3-1 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:57 , Chris WilsonHere’s how the Group C table looks then:
1 - Denmark - 7pts, GD +9
2 - Scotland - 7pts, GD +4
3 - Greece - 3pts, GD -1
4 - Belarus - 0pts, GD -12
FULL-TIME! Scotland 3-1 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:52 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Scotland 3-1 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:46 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the final whistle and that is that!
Scotland have taken a huge step towards a potential play-off place – or more – with a vital win tonight.
Scotland 3-1 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:43 , Chris Wilson90 +5 mins
Few would have seen this coming even 20 minutes ago, but Scotland are alive and well in this World Cup qualifying campaign!
GOAL! Scotland 3-1 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:42 , Chris Wilson90 +3 mins
GOAL! They’ve done it! Somehow, they’ve sealed the win!
He’ll never get an easier goal, but Lyndon Dykes won’t care.
The long ball comes up and Dykes fails to control it, and it rolls to Tzolakis. He tries to stop it going out for a corner but he spills it straight into the path of Dykes, who simply has to clip the ball into an empty net!
Scotland 2-1 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:39 , Chris Wilson90 +2 mins
SAVE! What a save this is!
Superb quality all-round here. Karetsas picks the ball up on the right and puts in a couple of stopovers before curling in an effort that is destined for the far corner.
However, Gunn flies across and tips it over superbly! He might have just saved his country’s qualification campaign!
Scotland 2-1 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:37 , Chris Wilson90 mins
There’ll be six minutes of added time at a nervy Hampden!
Scotland 2-1 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:36 , Chris Wilson88 mins
Great work from Dykes and Tierney as they carry the ball out of danger and into the Greek half.
McGinn makes a beeline for the corner but the ball comes off him before going out.
Scotland 2-1 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:32 , Chris Wilson84 mins
A brief penalty appeal there as Ferguson is bundled over in the box but nothing doing.
Moments later, McGinn wins a foul well on the opposite wing, right on the touchline. Robertson has another chance to deliver.
Scotland 2-1 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:31 , Chris Wilson83 mins
What a noise around Hampden now.
Boos all around for Ioannidis as he dives in the box before being shown a yellow.
Clarke makes another two changes, as Che Adams and Ryan Christie go off for Lyndon Dykes and Kieran Tierney.
GOAL! Scotland 2-1 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:28 , Chris Wilson80 mins
GOAL! Hampden erupts as the hosts go ahead!
It’s a first international goal from Ferguson!
The free-kick comes in from Robertson and it’s a great delivery to the far post. It causes some pinball in the box and it ricochets off Souttar into the path of Ferguson, who lashes it high into the net from close range!
Scotland 1-1 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:25 , Chris Wilson78 mins
Scotland definitely sense a chance to win this one, and they might have a chance here as Tsimikas is penalised for a foul on Ferguson right on the edge of the Greece box.
Scotland 1-1 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:22 , Chris Wilson75 mins
Half a chance for the hosts! They work a free-kick well and Gilmour clips a perfect ball to Adams, who brings it down with is back to goal and swivels before seeing his shot deflect behind. Nothing comes of the corner.
Scotland 1-1 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:21 , Chris Wilson72 mins
Changes for Greece now. Bakasetas, Pavlidis and Masouras make way for Konstantelias, Ioannidis and Karetsas.
At the Scotland end, there’s a vital clearance by Hanley as he slides in to divert a cross away from an onrushing Ioannidis.
Elsewhere, Christie has received a yellow and he’ll miss the Belarus game.
Scotland 1-1 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:17 , Chris Wilson70 mins
So, can Scotland go on and take advantage of that equaliser? It’s a game they shouldn’t really still be in, but they have a golden chance here.
GOAL! Scotland 1-1 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:14 , Chris Wilson66 mins
It’s given! Scotland have an equaliser almost straight away!
GOAL! Scotland 1-1 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:13 , Chris Wilson65 mins
GOAL! Scotland think they have an equaliser!
It comes from a corner, and there’s some pinball in the box. Greece try and clear and it’s headed down perfectly into the path of Christie, who hits it first time and squeezes it past the ‘keeper!
It will need a lengthy VAR check though...
GOAL! Scotland 0-1 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:10 , Chris Wilson62 mins
GOAL! Greece finally get the lead and you can’t say they don’t deserve it.
There’s a bit of luck but it’s well-worked, with Tzolis cutting back a pass to Bakasetas, who ships it to Pavlidis. He scuffs his shot and it rebounds to Tsimikas near the penalty area, and the Liverpool defender rifles low past Gunn!
Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:08 , Chris Wilson61 mins
Greece are in complete control here, with the game happening almost entirely in the Scotland half at present.
Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:06 , Chris Wilson58 mins
Scotland make the first subs of the day as Aaron Hickey and Gannon-Doak make way for Anthony Ralston and Billy Gilmour.
The second change gets a mixed reception.
Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:03 , Chris Wilson55 mins
CLOSE! A good move from Greece and it ends with an effort rifled narrowly over!
Lovely work from Tzolis to skip past a challenge on the edge of the box before finding Pavlidis in the area. The striker holds it up before laying it off to Masouras, who skews his effort over from close range.
Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:00 , Chris Wilson52 mins
Half a chance for the hosts there but Robertson’s free-kick from deep was headed well wide.
Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:57 , Chris Wilson49 mins
All the possession has been Greece’s so far in the second half, with one move breaking down due to a failed through ball before the flag goes up after Pavlidis heads well wide again.
Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:54 , Chris Wilson46 mins
First chance of the half already as Greece sweep it wide to Tsimikas, who delivers a great cross that Pavlidis heads over at the near post.
KICK-OFF! Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:52 , Chris WilsonBack underway at Hampden! A potentially campaign-defining 45 minutes in store for both sides.
HALF-TIME! Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:46 , Chris WilsonNot a great half for the neutral, that one.
From a Greece point of view, they’ll head in wondering how on Earth they haven’t gone in ahead, with Pavlidis failing to get clean contact from three or four yards. However, they haven’t created enough since then.
From Steve Clarke’s view, he’ll be thinking about what he needs to change to put the visitors under pressure both with and without the ball. Scotland’s pressing has been non-existent at times, and there were too many periods where they did very little in possession too.
We’re about to see a huge half in Scotland’s qualification campaign.
HALF-TIME! Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:41 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:35 , Chris WilsonThe referee brings the first half to an end and it’s not been an entertaining one.
Pavlidis’ sitter remains more or less the only chance of the game as we go into the break with both sides level.
Plenty for Steve Clarke to ponder as he looks for a potentially pivotal home win.
Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:34 , Chris Wilson45 mins
We’ll have just one minute of added time here.
Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:33 , Chris Wilson44 mins
Pavlidis somehow wins a free-kick for running the ball out of play for a throw in his own half. That completely halted the hosts’ momentum. Some poor refereeing on show so far, it must be said.
Moments later, there is the first good bit of refereeing as he spots the dive from Zafeiris in the box and gives him a yellow card.
Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:29 , Chris Wilson41 mins
Steve Clarke will be happier with the performance over the last five minutes or so, with the hosts at least making Greece do some defending now.
At the same time, his side have limited Greece fairly well since that absolute sitter from Pavlidis.
Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:27 , Chris Wilson39 mins
Better work from McGinn here too to hold off his man and hook in his own decent cross, but it’s headed away before the ref gives a soft foul on a clean challenge from Souttar.
Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:26 , Chris Wilson36 mins
Gannon-Doak remains Scotland’s biggest threat here, having delivered a great cross moments ago before driving past a defender in the box and only missing out on a corner due to what looks like a poor decision from the ref (to award a goal kick).
Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:22 , Chris Wilson33 mins
Gunn does well to make a save here as Pavlidis’ shot takes a very heavy deflection from the edge of the box, but the ‘keeper holds on.
Moments later, Kourbelis is the first player in the book as he follows through late on McGinn.
Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:20 , Chris Wilson31 mins
Better from Gannon-Doak to win a free-kick in his own half and relieve some pressure.
The hosts do manage to knock it around near the halfway line but there are far too many backwards and sideways passes.
Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:18 , Chris Wilson27 mins
More and more Greece possession but again, they aren’t creating too much. Tzolis has been the main threat on the left wing.
Steve Clarke looks fairly worried on the sideline. It’s difficult to see Scotland scoring with the game like this.
Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:14 , Chris Wilson24 mins
The hosts still struggling to string many passes together here but on the positive side, they’ve started to limit what Greece are creating in attack (for the moment anyway).
Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:10 , Chris Wilson21 mins
27 per cent possession so far for the hosts, though they seem to have decided – whether though circumstance or their original tactical plan – that counter-attacking is the best way forward tonight.
Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:07 , Chris Wilson18 mins
Much better from the hosts. McGinn clips the ball into the box and there’s a lovely flick from Ferguson to try and ship the ball towards the penalty spot, but it’s cleared for a corner.
McGinn’s set-piece delivery is well worked to Ferguson at the far post, but the ‘keeper manages to scramble across his line to get it clear.
Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:05 , Chris Wilson16 mins
A needless foul from Che Adams means he’s close to a booking already tonight.
At the other end, Bakasetas sees another shot blocked from near the edge of the area.
Not a lot to go off from a Scotland point of view so far!
Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:03 , Chris Wilson13 mins
First corner of the night as Bakasetas sees his shot blocked from within the area.
Tsimikas blasts an effort over from the set-piece.
Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:00 , Chris Wilson10 mins
Greece are beginning to dominate possession here, though Scotland won't necessarily mind.
They will if the pressure continues though, with Robertson the latest to hook a cross clear.
Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:57 , Chris Wilson7 mins
CLOSE! Out of nowhere, a huge chance for Greece!
Tzolis and Bakasetas exchange a couple of passes on the edge of the box before the latter is sent in behind the defence. He fizzes the ball across the goal, between Gunn and his defenders, but somehow Pavlidis doesn’t connect to tap into an empty net from a few yards.
Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:54 , Chris Wilson5 mins
It’s been a fairly scrappy opening here as both sides fight to settle. No dangerous openings for either so far.
Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:51 , Chris Wilson2 mins
An early foray forward from the hosts ends with McGinn seeing his shot blocked from the edge of the box. Good work from Ben Gannon-Doak there.
At the other end, some good work from Hickey as he stays calm to chest it back down to Gunn.
KICK-OFF! Scotland 0-0 Greece
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:48 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at Hampden Park!
Scotland vs Greece live
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:42 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are lining up in the tunnel at Hampden, and we’ll be underway soon.
Steve Clarke is about to tie the record for most games in charge of Scotland, and every game between now and mid-November is the most important of his tenure so far.
Clarke speaks on record games
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:35 , Chris WilsonSteve Clarke insisted he hadn’t thought about his record-tying game in charge tonight, adding: "I don't think I've finished yet, let me finish and then I'll tell you exactly how I feel about it.
"We've given ourselves a great platform over the two away games.
"We want to cement that by winning the two home games. Picking up as many points as we can this month would put us in a good place to go into November.
"It's been strange in the build-up to such a big game, the national team has not been the main headliner,” said Clarke, pointing to the recent sacking of Rangers manager Russell Martin.
"That's the nature of football in Scotland. But I don't know, have I been missing something?,” he added.
Match stats
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:30 , Chris WilsonGreece lost their most recent game 3-0 to Denmark. They last lost back-to-back matches in September 2023, but have only won one of their last five World Cup qualifiers (drawing one and losing three).
Scotland have won just one of their last nine home games (D3 L5) and could lose three home in a row for the first time since September 2018. They last lost three straight at Hampden in November 2000.
Clarke's landmark game
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:25 , Chris WilsonSteve Clarke will take charge of his 71st game tonight, levelling Craig Brown for the joint-most matches managed in the nation's history.
His time in charge has spanned six-and-a-half years, while he has led his country to back-to-back European Championships – but now he is looking to take Scotland to a first World Cup since 1998, in what would surely secure his status as a legend (of sorts at least!).
His record so far stands at 30 wins, 16 draws and 24 losses from his 70 matches, with a win rate of 43 per cent.
Match stats
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:20 , Chris WilsonScotland and Greece have met twice in 2025, with the away side winning both in the Nations League games in March (Scotland 1-0, Greece 3-0).
Greece have won their last three away games against the Home Nations, beating Northern Ireland in June 2022 (1-0), England in October 2024 (2-1) as well as Scotland in March.
Scotland have lost just one of their last 18 World Cup qualifiers, winning 12 and drawing five. They’re unbeaten in each of their last eight (W7 D1) since a 2-0 loss to Denmark in September 2021.
Scotland could secure play-off place by Sunday
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:15 , Chris WilsonRight then, this might be somewhat unlikely, but there is a chance that Scotland could secure a place in the play-offs (at least) by Sunday if results go their way.
Firat off, the Scots would need to beat Greece tonight before then going on to beat Belarus on Sunday.
Next up, Greece would also need to lose that same evening against Denmark in Copenhagen (as well as tonight, of course).
If that were to happen, the battle for automatic qualification would be between Scotland and Denmark, with plenty riding on that game between the two in Glasgow in November!
Group C Table
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:05 , Chris WilsonHere’s how the Group C table looks after two matches:
1 - Denmark - 4pts, GD +3
2 - Scotland - 4pts, GD +2
3 - Greece - 3pts, GD +1
4 - Belarus - 0pts, GD -6
World Cup 2026: Who is through and how does qualifying work?
Thursday 9 October 2025 18:55 , Chris WilsonEgypt have become the latest team to qualify for the World Cup 2026, with more are set to join them as international qualification resumes.
With the co-hosts USA, Canada and Mexico, there are now 21 countries confirmed, including two debutants with Jordan and Uzbekistan through to the 48-team finals.
This format means that more nations than ever will qualify from each of the seven main federations, but despite some spots already having been secured, teams in Europe still have a long way to go in their qualifying campaigns.
Team news
Thursday 9 October 2025 18:40 , Chris WilsonGreece manager Ivan Jovanović has made just two changes to the eleven that started the 3-0 loss to Denmark.
Both changes are attacking ones, with Konstantinos Karetsas dropping out of right wing in favour of Georgios Masouras, while Giannis Konstantelias makes way for Anastasios Bakasetas in attacking midfield.
Team news
Thursday 9 October 2025 18:35 , Chris WilsonSteve Clarke has made three changes to the side that beat Belarus last time out. Aaron Hickey comes into defence in place of Max Johnston at right-back, while Grant Hanley replaces Scott McKenna.
In midfield, Billy Gilmour drops out in favour of Ryan Christie, with Clarke opting for the same attacking four of John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Ben Gannon-Doak and Che Adams.
Team news
Thursday 9 October 2025 18:29 , Chris WilsonGreece XI: Tzolakis, Vagiannidis, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Tsimikas, Zafeiris, Kourmpelis, Bakasetas, Tzolis, Masouras, Pavlidis.
Subs: Vlachodimos, Mandas, Giannoulis, Rota, Michailidis, Konstantelias, Douvikas, Mouzakitis, Mantalos, Siopis, Karetsas, Ioannidis.
✨ STARTING XI #SCOGRE pic.twitter.com/MqbJTvzfxq
— Ethniki Omada (@EthnikiOmada) October 9, 2025
Team news
Thursday 9 October 2025 18:25 , Chris WilsonScotland XI: Gunn, Hickey, Souttar, Hanley, Robertson, Ferguson, McGinn, Christie, McTominay, Doak, Adams.
Subs: Kelly, Gordon, Tierney, Gilmour, Dykes, hendry, Miller, McKenna, Hirst, Bowie, Ralston, McLean.
🔢 Your Scotland team at Hampden Park.
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) October 9, 2025
COME ON 💪#SCOGRE pic.twitter.com/0m5aSylU3F
Team news
Thursday 9 October 2025 18:20 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups should be released in the next five minutes or so, so here’s a reminder of the early team news for the hosts...
Clarke has a selection dilemma between the sticks, with Craig Gordon out of action since May but coming into the squad in place of Hearts teammate Zander Clark. Angus Gunn, who kept clean sheets against Denmark and Belarus, is likely to retain his place in goal.
Celtic’s Anthony Ralston is back to fitness and replaces Derby county’s Max Johnston, but there is no place in the squad for Lawrence Shankland despite his seven-goal start to the season for Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts.
Steve Clarke reacts to breaking Scotland manager record
Thursday 9 October 2025 18:15 , Chris WilsonSteve Clarke insists he will retire before reflecting on his career as he gets set to break Craig Brown’s Scotland football record in the 2026 World Cup qualifying double-header against Greece and Belarus.
Brown, who died in June 2023 aged 82, managed the national side 71 times from 1993 to 2001 and qualified the country for Euro 1996 and the 1998 World Cup finals.
Clarke, 62, has been in the dugout 70 times since taking over in 2019 and has led the Scots to the last two European Championships but is looking to take them to a first World Cup finals since Brown’s side went to France.
When is Scotland vs Greece?
Thursday 9 October 2025 18:00 , Chris WilsonScotland take on Greece on Thursday 9 October, with kick-off at 7.45pm at Hampden Park.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game on BBC Two, BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer, with coverage from 7.30pm.
Predicted line-ups
Thursday 9 October 2025 17:50 , Chris WilsonScotland XI: Gunn, Ralston, Souttar, McKenna, Robertson, McGinn, Gilmour, Ferguson, McTominay, Doak, Adams
Greece XI: Tzolakis, Vagiannidis, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Tsimikas, Zafeiris, Kourbelis, Karetsas, Bakasetas, Tzolis, Pavlidis
Team news
Thursday 9 October 2025 17:41 , Chris WilsonGreece will miss Olympiacos defender Panagiotis Retsos due to a groin injury, while Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis will lead the line and hope to transfer some of his league form into international results, having scored give goals in eight games for the Portuguese side.
Team news
Thursday 9 October 2025 17:37 , Chris WilsonClarke has a selection dilemma between the sticks, with Craig Gordon out of action since May but coming into the squad in place of Hearts teammate Zander Clark. Angus Gunn, who kept clean sheets against Denmark and Belarus, is likely to retain his place in goal.
Celtic’s Anthony Ralston is back to fitness and replaces Derby county’s Max Johnston, but there is no place in the squad for Lawrence Shankland despite his seven-goal start to the season for Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts.
Scotland vs Greece live
Thursday 9 October 2025 17:33 , Chris WilsonScotland bid to continue their unbeaten start to World Cup qualifying today as they take on Greece at Hampden Park.
Steve Clarke’s men picked up four points from their opening two matches, a gritty goalless draw with Denmark and a routine 2-0 win over Belarus.
They sit joint-top of the group alongside the Danes to put them in a strong position to qualify for a first World Cup since 1988, with Greece right behind them on three points.
But they will need to erase their most recent memory of playing Greece after losing 3-1 on aggregate to today’s visitors in the Nations League in March, including a damning 3-0 loss at Hampden Park.
Good evening
Thursday 9 October 2025 17:28 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s World Cup qualifying match between Scotland and Greece at Hampden Park.
The hosts face perhaps their toughest home game of the campaign as the battle for the top spot in Group C heats up, with Steve Clarke’s side starting the day in second.
We’ll have all the latest team news and updates here.
