Scotland edged out Belarus 2-1 in their latest World Cup 2026 qualifying match at Hampden Park, moving to the top of their group despite a fiercely critical appraisal from fans and pundits. This result, while crucial for their campaign, has sparked discussion across the UK sports landscape, with many questioning if the Tartan Army has what it takes to break a 27-year absence from the world’s biggest football tournament.
Hampden Park’s Nervy Evening
The atmosphere in Glasgow was electric but tense, as Scotland hosted Belarus, a side ranked 100th worldwide and winless in their qualifying group. Che Adams struck early, sliding home a neat finish after 15 minutes, just after a lengthy VAR review confirmed his onside position. Miller’s pass unlocked the Belarus defence and Adams’ calm left-footed shot gave Scotland the lead, suggesting a routine victory was on the cards.
Yet, Scotland’s performance quickly dipped. Belarus, though lacking in world-class pedigree, showed resilience and even outshot the Scots over the 90 minutes, clocking 22 attempts to Scotland’s 12. The visitors believed they had scored an equaliser through Yevgeny Malashevich, but another VAR intervention ruled the goal out for an infringement on Scott McTominay.
Dramatic Second Half and VAR Controversies
Hampden Park’s crowd grew restless as Scotland failed to assert themselves. The game remained open and nervy, with neither side able to establish control. VAR remained in the spotlight, chalking off the Belarus goal for a push on McTominay but also denying Scotland a penalty. These decisions frustrated both teams and fans but were ultimately correct by the letter of the law.
Scott McTominay eventually doubled Scotland’s lead in the 84th minute, connecting with Andy Robertson’s cross to finish from close range. There was little time for relief, however, as Belarus substitute Hleb Kuchko capitalised on a lapse in concentration, slotting past Angus Gunn in injury time to set up a final few minutes filled with tension.
Scotland’s Boss Pulls No Punches
Steve Clarke, overseeing his record 72nd match as Scotland’s manager, gave a frank and damning verdict on his side’s display. He described the match as a “head-scratcher”, possibly his most disappointing performance in charge. Speaking to BBC Scotland and Sky Sports News, Clarke acknowledged his players didn’t reach the necessary levels across both attack and defence. Clarke also had to make several changes, forced by suspensions to Ryan Christie and Lewis Ferguson and an injury to Aaron Hickey, but made clear he expected more from his squad regardless.
“It was really disappointing. Both sides of the ball were wrong tonight,” Clarke admitted, adding that he and his coaching staff would thoroughly review both recent matches to find solutions before next month’s final qualifiers.
Key Players and Tactical Notes
Che Adams and McTominay were again decisive, but Scotland’s midfield reshuffle impacted their rhythm and fluency. Defenders Anthony Ralston, Jack Hendry, and Scott McKenna, along with midfielders Kenny McLean and Billy Gilmour, returned to the starting eleven but struggled for cohesion against Belarus’s disciplined approach.
Andy Robertson, Scotland’s captain, echoed his manager’s frustration but stressed that resilience was the team’s greatest trait. “We failed to win any first or second balls, which let Belarus look more threatening,” Robertson said, vowing that the squad would work harder before the pivotal concluding games.
What’s Next for Scotland?
With 10 points from 12, Scotland now sit three points clear at the top of Group C and remain unbeaten in their qualifying campaign. Their fate could be decided by Denmark’s result against Greece—if Denmark win, Scotland are guaranteed a place in the play-offs at minimum, with two crucial fixtures still ahead: away to Greece and then home against Denmark.
Scotland’s World Cup dream is alive, but significant improvement will be required to match the hopes of their passionate supporters. The team faces a quick turnaround, with only weeks to recover form and confidence in time for decisive games that could resolve whether they finally return to the world stage in 2026.
Fan Reactions
Across the UK, football fans and experts are united in their concern that recent Scottish performances, while successful on paper, are lacking in style and cohesion. Many have drawn parallels to England’s own qualification campaigns, where results sometimes masked systemic issues. However, faith in Clarke’s leadership and the team’s fighting spirit remains strong.
The win over Belarus may not have electrified the crowd, but it kept Scotland in pole position. If Clarke and his squad can rediscover the sharpness shown in previous matches, Hampden Park could soon be celebrating a long-awaited World Cup berth.
