Countdown to the 2026 World Cup: England and Scotland brace for the draw
England arrive in the draw as one of Europe’s most convincing performers. Under Thomas Tuchel, the Three Lions completed a flawless qualifying campaign — eight wins from eight, and not a single goal conceded. UEFA records show they became only the second European side since Yugoslavia in 1954 to complete qualification with a perfect record.
Scotland’s path carried far more drama. Steve Clarke’s squad sealed their return to the finals with a thrilling 4–2 win over Denmark at Hampden Park, ending a 28-year absence from the World Cup. The victory sparked celebrations across the country, marking Scotland’s re-emergence on the global stage.
How the draw works
The expanded 48-team tournament features 12 groups of four, each containing one team drawn from four seeding pots. Seeding is based on FIFA rankings and host-nation status. Confederation rules apply: nations from the same continent cannot meet in the group stage — except for UEFA countries, where a maximum of two European teams may share a group.
The draw will be held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, giving teams, broadcasters and supporters six months to prepare for travel, training and logistics ahead of the June 2026 kickoff.
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Pot 1 — a field of giants
Pot 1 contains the three host nations — the United States, Canada and Mexico — alongside global heavyweights Argentina, Spain, France, Brazil, Portugal, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and England.
Pot 2 — experienced, technical, dangerous
Pot 2 features several established challengers: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Iran, South Korea, Ecuador, Australia and Senegal. Each poses a credible threat. Senegal remain the only side to defeat Tuchel’s England so far, even if only in a friendly.
Pot 3 — Scotland’s tier
Scotland are placed in Pot 3, which includes unpredictable and varied opponents. Norway, led by Erling Haaland, headline the group, while Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Panama, Uzbekistan, Ivory Coast, Paraguay, Qatar and South Africa complete the tier.
Pot 4 — underdogs and wildcards
Pot 4 houses the lowest-seeded teams but is far from harmless. Jordan, Cape Verde, Curaçao, Ghana, Haiti and New Zealand have already qualified. Six additional teams will come through play-offs in March 2026, with Italy, Turkey, Denmark, Poland, Sweden and Wales among potential entrants — making this pot unusually dangerous.
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Best and worst scenarios
England’s best-case draw
- Pot 2: Australia
- Pot 3: Panama or Uzbekistan
- Pot 4: Curaçao or Haiti
England’s worst-case draw
- Pot 2: Croatia or Senegal
- Pot 3: Norway or Egypt
- Pot 4: Italy (if they qualify)
Scotland’s best-case draw
- Pot 1: Canada
- Pot 2: Australia
- Pot 4: Curaçao or Haiti
Scotland’s worst-case draw
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- Pot 1: Spain, France or Argentina
- Pot 2: Croatia or Morocco
- Pot 4: Italy or Denmark (if they qualify)
Looking ahead
The draw on December 5 will give both nations clarity on their early paths. For England, it will determine whether they begin their campaign with manageable momentum or face immediate tests. For Scotland, who return to the global stage after nearly three decades, it is the moment their World Cup dream fully takes shape.
Whichever balls are pulled in Washington, the picture of Britain’s World Cup hopes will soon come sharply into focus.
Source: FIFA, BBC Sport, FourFourTwo, NBC Sports, Goal.com, Sky Sports, The Independent, UEFA
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