Scotland head coach Steve Clarke says qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup would “put right” the painful defeat to Ukraine that denied his team a spot at the 2022 finals.
Clarke Eyes Redemption
The Scots face Belarus at Hampden Park on Sunday in a Group C clash, level on points with leaders Denmark. A win would not only secure another play-off berth but also move them a step closer to ending a 28-year wait for a World Cup appearance.
Clarke, who guided Scotland to Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, still remembers the 3-1 home defeat to Ukraine in 2022. “It’s something we’d like to put right, for sure,” he said. “That night was a big disappointment, but football always gives you another chance.”
Chance to Create History
A victory over Belarus, combined with Greece losing to Denmark later in the evening, would guarantee a play-off spot for Clarke’s men. It would also set up a possible showdown with Denmark in next month’s final group game for direct qualification.
Sunday will mark Clarke’s 72nd game in charge, surpassing Craig Brown’s record for most matches managed with Scotland. “There are always tough moments in football, but this team has grown together,” he said.
European Qualifiers Heat Up
Across Europe, Matchday 8 offers several decisive fixtures. Denmark will aim to maintain their lead in Group C when they host Greece, while the Netherlands face Finland in Amsterdam in Group G.
In Group D, France can seal qualification with a win over Iceland if Ukraine fail to beat Azerbaijan. Portugal, meanwhile, can confirm their seventh straight World Cup appearance by defeating Hungary in Group F.
Croatia, Spain, and England also remain on track to secure early qualification as the road to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada reaches its crucial stage.
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