Scotland’s WCQ Group Breakdown: Key Matches, Threats & Hope

Scotland’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially mapped out. Manager Steve Clarke and his men will face Denmark, Greece, and Belarus in Group C, arguably one of the more unpredictable four-team sections in World Cup qualifying.

The task is clear: finish top and secure an automatic spot in the tournament, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Fall short of first, and the play-offs await. But before we talk about passports and playoff scenarios, there’s a group to get through—and plenty of work to be done.

A Group That Offers Both Challenge and Opportunity

Group C is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing—and unpredictable—sections in World Cup qualifying. With Denmark, Greece, and Scotland all closely matched in quality and recent form, there’s little to separate them on paper. Even Belarus, the group’s underdog, has the potential to spring a surprise or two—making this group a betting minefield.

That uncertainty has created significant interest among football betting fans. There’s been a consistent buzz around the latest odds, with punters closely tracking lines from top UK bookies searching for value before placing their bets. With no clear runaway favorite and so much at stake, every match in this group draws attention from supporters and sportsbook analysts alike.

Scotland open their campaign away to Denmark on September 5th—a high-stakes clash against the group’s top-ranked side. Three days later comes a tricky trip to Belarus. October brings a crucial home meeting with Greece, and the group wraps up in November with a potentially decisive pair of fixtures: away to Greece and then at home against Denmark.

It’s a six-match sprint, and with so much parity among the top three—and a wildcard like Belarus in the mix—every point will matter.

Denmark: The Group’s Top Threat

Denmark are currently ranked 21st in the FIFA World Rankings and bring tournament experience and tactical discipline to the table. Kasper Hjulmand’s side may have missed out on the Nations League semifinals after a 5-3 aggregate loss to Portugal, but they remain dangerous.

Christian Eriksen remains the engine in midfield, while Manchester United forward Rasmus Højlund gives them pace and finishing up front. Denmark’s best World Cup showing came in 1998 with a quarterfinal appearance. More recently, they reached the semifinals of Euro 2020 before falling to England after extra time.

They’ll be looking to assert dominance early—and Scotland will need to be ready.

Greece: A Familiar and Frustrating Foe

If Scotland is looking for redemption, the two matches against Greece offer a chance for that. The Greeks dumped Clarke’s squad out of the UEFA Nations League play-off in March with a commanding 3-0 win in the second leg—sealing a 3-1 aggregate victory and making a loud statement.

Greece is on the rise. Liverpool left-back Kostas Tsimikas leads a disciplined back line, and the team plays with structure and intent. They recently earned promotion to Nations League Group A and will see themselves as serious contenders to top this group.

The away match in Athens on November 15th could be decisive for Scotland’s qualification hopes.

Belarus: The Underdog, but No Free Pass

Belarus may be the world’s lowest-ranked team in Group C at 98th, but underestimating them would be a mistake. That said, Scotland must see these fixtures as must-win games.

Belarus managed just one win in eight matches during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers and finished fifth in their group. Their lack of consistency and defensive gaps could be the key openings Scotland need. The Tartan Army will count on all six points from these two meetings—anything less would be a setback.

Final Thoughts

For Scotland, the biggest positive is familiarity. Steve Clarke has built a core of experienced players who’ve battled through Euros and Nations League campaigns. The quality is there with talents like Scott McTominay, John McGinn, and Andy Robertson in the fold. And the path is manageable.

There’s also the benefit of a small group—only four teams—which means fewer games, fewer opportunities to slip up, and a clearer view of what’s needed.

The margins will be tight. A home win against Greece or Denmark could be the difference between qualifying directly or heading to the playoff roulette. Clarke’s squad knows the stakes—and the belief inside the dressing room remains high.

The journey begins in Copenhagen on September 5th, but the destination is still within reach. For Scotland, it’s not just about navigating Group C but proving they belong on football’s biggest stage.