Scotland boss Steve Clarke has targeted qualifying for the World Cup in 2026 after an impressive end to their Nations League campaign culminated in a 2-1 win in Poland.
After a poor Euros and a slow start to the Nations League group, Scotland have drawn with Portugal, beat Croatia and then won in Warsaw thanks to Andy Robertson’s stoppage-time header.
“We want to go to another tournament,” said Clarke.
“The play-off in March to stay at the highest level of the Nations League will set us up for a tough World Cup qualifying campaign. We are ready for it.”
Scotland last reached the World Cup finals in France in 1998.
🎙️ "It's nice to have a smile on my face at the end of a tough game."
Steve Clarke gave us his reaction at the end of a dramatic night in Warsaw.#POLSCO pic.twitter.com/LXriRhnmgb
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) November 18, 2024
‘Another step on the journey’
Robertson’s header saw Scotland move above Poland into third place in section A1 and set up a two-legged play-off in March against one of the runners-up in the second tier for the right to stay among the elite.
Greece and Austria are possible opponents, with more sides confirmed this week.
Scotland find out their next opponents in Friday’s draw, with a two-legged League A/B playoff tie on March 20 and 23.
“There’s been a lot of good moments over my five-and-a-half years and this is just another step on the journey.
“We knew we’d have to be at our best to get a result. This is another place we can say we know how to go away from home and get a positive result in a difficult environment.”
