BBC Sport Scotland chief sportswriter Tom English dissects Scotland's World Cup chances after dramatic lifeline from Belarus.

Scotland are taking on Greece in a crucial qualifier for the 2026 World Cup tonight as they push for an automatic spot in next summer’s 48-nation tournament.The Scots are in a battle with Group C leaders Denmark for the sole automatic qualification place.

Steve Clarke's Scotland failed to earn the win they were after in Greece but all is not lost in their pursuit of a place at the World Cup next summer

Scotland are ideally positioned to qualify for the World Cup finals, but Steve Clarke's side now face the hardest part of their journey, writes Tom English.

Greece vs Scotland Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers: Follow the play-by-play updates from the GRE vs SCO match as it happened at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus on 16, 2025

The four winners of each final will advance to the World Cup, which takes place between Thursday, June 11 and Sunday, July 19, 2026. The draw for the World Cup takes place on Friday, December 5. Scotland’s name will be in the draw regardless of events on Tuesday against Denmark.

Switzerland secured a 4-1 victory over Sweden on Friday that all but sealed its spot at next year’s FIFA World Cup, leaving it top of the group with a considerable goal difference advantage over second-placed Kosovo.

The insanity of World Cup qualifying was on full display Saturday as UEFA wrapped up its penultimate matchday of the 2026 World Cup cycle.