Scotland have learned which European nations they will need to topple if they are to find their way into the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stages, after the draw for qualifying was made by on Friday morning.

And Steve Clarke's men are set to face tricky tests against Greece and , who they must overcome if they are to make their first appearance at the tournament since 1998. The national side did well in World Cup qualifying last time out, recording seven wins from 11 games, but ultimately fell to Ukraine in the play-off rounds which killed any hopes of a trip to Qatar.

Scotland have never advanced past the group stages at an international tournament, despite the Tartan Army even having qualified for six World Cups from a possible seven ranging from 1974 to 1998. It's a record that Clarke is keen to change, and whilst he almost did so at the previous two European Championships before falling short, it now means that the 2026 World Cup will be the tournament in his sights.

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But he has to get there first - and the former Kilmarnock boss has learned the route he must take if the nation are to play in the USA, Mexico and Canada in just over 18 months' time.

Being drawn in Group C, the national team will play the loser of Portugal and Denmark in the UEFA Nations League, with those ties set to take place in mid-March - whilst Greece are also in their group, alongside minnows Belarus.

Portugal and Denmark have both been recent visitors to Hampden Park, with the former having been held to a 0-0 draw in Glasgow recently, whilst Denmark have been familiar foes when it comes to qualifying.

Greece, meanwhile, could pose a problem, having beaten England at Wembley back in October, but a four-team group could be beneficial towards Scotland if they can hold their own away from home in Athens.

Belarus will be expected to finish bottom of the group, but if Scotland can match Greece and Denmark's results, it is not too far fetched to think that Scotland could finish top of Group C - in a qualifying process that would end a 28-year hiatus from the world's biggest sporting tournament.

Group C in full:

1) Losers of Portugal vs Denmark (two-legged tie set to take place in March)

2) Greece

3) SCOTLAND

4) Belarus