Scotland’s World Cup draw: Key questions as Steve Clarke’s side face Brazil, Morocco and Haiti | Soccer News

It finally felt real. Scotland will take part in the World Cup.

Seeing our names finally called in the draw in Washington felt surreal, albeit a bit of deja vu.

The lottery is finally over, and the competition to book airline tickets, hotels, etc. is about to begin. But what else do you need to know about the World Cup?

As Scotland return to football’s biggest stage for the first time since 1998, let’s answer some important and not-so-important questions…

A reminder of who Scotland will be playing against

For those who remember the last World Cup Scotland played in, seeing them reunited with five-time champions Brazil and Morocco will have given you a wry smile, but Steve Clarke certainly did!

Group C ended when Scotland’s first opponents, Haiti, were eliminated.

Clark: We bring you a little magic.

Head Coach Clark is the only national team coach to lead the men’s team to three major tournaments and the first to reach the World Cup in 27 years.

Asked about the magic of playing against Brazil, Clarke told BBC Scotland: “We’re going to bring a bit of magic too, hopefully. It’ll be great to play against them.”

“Obviously, back in the distant past in 1998, Brazil and Morocco were in this group, so there’s a bit of a quirk of fate.

“It will be difficult for Haiti as a Pot 4 team. They won very easily in the qualifying section. But we managed to win too, so I wish them the best.”

Clarke added: “The draw is great. The biggest thing in my mind was that we didn’t have a European team. So we’ll be playing the top three teams from three different continents in the world. That’s what the World Cup is all about.”

When and where does Scotland play?

Well, the simple answer to that is we don’t know exactly yet. That will be decided on Saturday.

What we do know is that Clark’s team will open its campaign against Haiti on Saturday, June 13th at Boston or New Jersey-New York Stadium.

Scotland will then face 2022 semi-finalists Morocco in Boston or Philadelphia on Friday, June 19, with the final group game against Brazil in Atlanta or Miami on Wednesday, June 24.

If you thought last summer’s Euros was a once-in-a-lifetime trip, this one will be once-in-a-lifetime too.

The 2026 tournament will be held in 16 cities across three North American countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

This is the first time the World Cup will be hosted by three countries. There is no doubt that we have chosen the major finals well.

Last year, around 200,000 tartan troops occupied Germany. However, next year, it will not be possible to travel to match venues by car, bicycle or even on foot. Beyond the large pond in the middle, the cities are thousands of miles apart. It takes time, planning, and a few coins from the back of the couch.

So, what will the path to the finals be like?

Those with a glass-fronted approach may be thinking about making it past the group stage in their first major final. For someone like me, dreaming is the right thing to do, right?

So let’s take a look at who Scotland’s most likely opponents are heading into the final, based on how the highest-placed teams are progressing…

If Scotland win their group…

Round 32 – June 29: Scotland vs Japan, Houston

Round 16 – July 5: Scotland vs Senegal, East Rutherford

Quarter-finals – July 11: Scotland vs England, Miami

Semi-finals – July 15: Scotland vs Argentina, Atlanta

Final – July 19: Scotland vs Spain, East Rutherford

If Scotland were group runners-up…

Round 32 – June 29: Scotland vs. Guadalupe, Netherlands

Round 16 – July 4: Scotland vs Italy, Houston

Quarterfinals – July 9: Scotland vs France, Foxboro

Semi-finals – July 14: Scotland vs Spain, Arlington

Final – July 19: Scotland vs Argentina, East Rutherford

If Scotland finished third in their group…

Scotland could also be wiped out. However, due to the complexity of the third-place qualifying structure, there are too many potential routes to consider at this time that may not be finalized until after the group stage.

What happens to my tickets?

Here’s where it gets interesting. FIFA will be the first to use dynamic pricing.

Prices fluctuate based on demand, so expect to see tickets for particularly high-profile matches going for amazing prices.

FIFA has confirmed that eight per cent of tickets for each match will be set aside for each team and national associations such as the Scottish FA will distribute to fans without dynamic pricing, but that will only cover a few thousand fans.

According to soccer’s governing body, the cheapest tickets start at 45 pounds (about 6,000 yen) for the group stage. But the most expensive ticket for the final costs £5,094 ($6,730).

There will also be a sales period after the lottery from December 11th to January 13th, and ticket applications will be based on a fixed price for those who purchase through the lottery.

Don’t forget about FIFA’s official ticket resale platform, it doesn’t mean cheaper. Tickets can be sold on the platform, the seller sets the price, and FIFA receives a 15 percent commission from the seller and 15 percent from the buyer.

Does Tartan Army require a visa?

If you manage to get your hands on a ticket, or just want to soak up the atmosphere, there’s one more paperwork step you’ll need to complete.

To enter the United States, you need a visa, also known as an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

US President Donald Trump said fans who came for the convention would be able to be interviewed sooner.

He also announced FIFA Pass, which allows people who purchase World Cup tickets through FIFA to quickly obtain visa reservations.

If you are going to Mexico, you do not need a visa, but if you are going to Canada, you will need an eTA.

Either way, book an ESTA to watch Steve Clark run around New York’s New Jersey Stadium with the trophy after the final.

What about World Cup songs?

“Kenny McLean from the halfway line” anyone? Maybe it’s just for the fans to sing in the stands, or in my case, since the win against Denmark, I’ve been singing it at work, at home, in the gym and in bed.

The experts would be best placed to provide songs for us as we head west in a few months.

Thinking back to the last World Cup Scotland played in, it was Del Amitri’s ‘Don’t Come Home Too Soon’ in 1998.

Who will get the prestigious job this time? The Proclaimers, Lewis Capaldi, Jerry Cinnamon, Paolo Nutini or Rod Stewart? Or maybe you prefer Susan Boyle, Amy McDonald, or Lulu. Don’t forget The Fratellis, Deacon Blue, Runrig and more.

Either way, it’s going to be great and we’ll all be learning the language over the next few months.

What happens when the ball hits the back of the net?

We saw Scotland’s new home kit debut in the win over Denmark, but what about Scott McTominay slamming home an overhead kick again, or Kenny McLean’s new ball from the halfway line?

The official match ball is manufactured by Adidas and is called “Trionda”, which means “three waves” in Spanish.

It features a red, green and blue color scheme that pays homage to the three host countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Adidas claims its ‘connected ball technology’ will help relay data to VAR and AI will assist in decision-making.

Anything happening in March?

There’s a playoff thing, but you don’t have to worry about that, right?

There are still many exciting games to come. For Clark, it was a game to unite the team and use as preparation for the World Cup.

While many familiar faces are expected to appear, it’s also the last chance for others looking to make a late bet to nab a spot on the plane. Harvey McBurns, anyone?

It will be the penultimate chance for fans to see their heroes in action again before heading to the World Cup. Did I mention Scotland qualified?