Scotland Likely to Reach World Cup 2026 Knockouts Despite 1 Win and 2 One-Goal Losses
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 24
Scotland Likely to Reach World Cup 2026 Knockouts Despite 1 Win and 2 One-Goal Losses
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 24
Summary
Scotland now appears on course to qualify even after opening with a 1-0 win and two one-goal defeats, a return that initially looked unlikely to be enough.
Those mixed results have become more valuable as the group picture has shifted, leaving Scotland better placed than expected to advance.
Brazil’s improvement in its second match also reshaped the outlook, with Carlo Ancelotti looking closer to settling on his best lineup despite weaker opposition.
That progress was underscored by selection changes after Igor Thiago started against Morocco ahead of Matheus Cunha, a choice that now looks unlikely to be repeated.