Scotland’s World Cup hopes have dwindled to 0.07%—a string of highly unlikely results elsewhere are now their only route to the knockout rounds after a group-stage campaign that has left manager Steve Clarke under scrutiny. The draw was brutally tough, with Brazil and Morocco ranked fifth and sixth in Fifa’s rankings; no other group contained two top-10 teams. Scotland were expected to finish third and did so after beating Haiti, but four of the 12 third-placed sides miss out, and Cape Verde, Ghana and Bosnia-Herzegovina continue their tournaments while Scotland face the anguish of an early exit.
Clarke signed a four-year contract extension before the World Cup, but his leadership is being questioned, much as it was after Euro 2024. Willie Miller, who played at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups for Scotland, said: “Over the three games you’re definitely looking at below-par performances. I keep looking back on the Denmark game [November’s 4-2 win to seal qualification] with those outstanding goals, but they didn’t get anywhere near those levels.” Miller described the lack of a top-class striker as “a major issue” and said he was “uncertain about the logic of a few selections”. Yet he backed Clarke, saying: “He got us there and that’s what the Scotland manager’s job is. He has introduced a real togetherness in the squad as well, which wasn’t always the case.”
“Scotland face likely World Cup exit with 0.07% chance; Clarke under scrutiny after signing new contract.”
Scotland conceded soft, early goals against Morocco and Brazil. Former striker James McFadden said: “The defending was certainly below the standard we’re used to and the errors were costly. I just feel the players could have shown more. We could have done better against Morocco in terms of having a go. But a lot of people think we should have had two penalties…” Clarke is Scotland’s longest-serving manager with 81 matches. The Scottish FA has supported him emphatically, their coffers enhanced by participation at three of the past four major finals. “I’m sure he can go again over the next few years if he wants to,” Miller added. “The new contract was a positive step. I think it was the right thing to do.”
While Scotland’s campaign falters, England fans are living the American Dream in New Jersey ahead of their side’s match against Panama. Thomas Tuchel’s side have already qualified for the knockout phase, and a victory would almost certainly guarantee top spot in Group L. Outside the American Dream fanzone, Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” played as fans lined up behind flags from Bristol City, Huddersfield Town, Middlesbrough and even the Pennsylvania Owls. In the Yard House Pub, 2.5-pint, $16 (£12) ales were served. Bristol City fans Richard Iles, 55, and Andrew Rodgers, 56, spent £30,000 to see all group games before heading home. “We have really enjoyed the experience,” said Iles. “The tickets are too expensive, the travel is too expensive, everything is too expensive but we are having fun. You either pay or you don’t come.”
Euro 2028 will be staged in Scotland, England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, making it difficult for Scotland not to qualify as co-hosts. But for now, Clarke’s position remains uncertain—a manager who ended a long World Cup drought yet faces questions about whether he got the best out of his squad.