Scotland's hopes of advancing in the 2026 World Cup have been dashed as the team was eliminated in the group stage. Despite qualifying for the tournament for the first time since 1998, Scotland could not secure a position among the eight best third-placed teams needed to progress.
The team's journey in the tournament concluded following defeats against Morocco and Brazil. Scotland's sole goal came in a victory against Haiti, which marked their first World Cup win in 36 years. However, subsequent matches proved challenging.
In their second group game, Scotland conceded a second-minute goal to Morocco, who were semi-finalists in the 2022 tournament. Entering their final group match against Brazil with the possibility of advancing with a draw, Scotland struggled with defensive errors. Brazil's Vinicius Jr. scored twice in the first half, capitalizing on Scotland's mistakes, including a giveaway inside the penalty area for the opening goal and another near their own goal for the second. Matheus Cunha extended Brazil's lead in the second half.
A late surge from Scotland failed to produce a goal that would have improved their goal difference, ultimately sealing their elimination from the competition.