Last reviewed: June 2026
Scotland are in Group C at the 2026 World Cup alongside Brazil, Morocco and Haiti. This is Scotland's first World Cup since France 1998. All three group matches are free on BBC or ITV. This covers the full fixture schedule, UK kick-off times, venues and what Scotland need to do to advance.
Key facts
- Scotland are in Group C with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti - Scotland's first World Cup since 1998.
- Haiti vs Scotland on 13/14 June kicks off at 2am BST (BBC) - the only Scotland match after midnight.
- Scotland vs Morocco on 19 June kicks off at 11pm BST (ITV).
- Scotland vs Brazil on 24 June kicks off at 11pm BST (ITV).
- Scotland have never advanced beyond the group stage at any previous World Cup.
- All matches are free-to-air on BBC and ITV - no subscription required.
Scotland's Group C Draw: The Full Picture
Scotland qualified for the 2026 World Cup by defeating Denmark in dramatic fashion at Hampden Park, ending a 28-year absence from the tournament. Their last World Cup appearance was France 1998, where they were eliminated in the group stage. The 2026 tournament gives Scotland the opportunity to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
The draw placed Scotland in Group C alongside Brazil, Morocco and Haiti. Brazil are five-time World Cup winners and perennial contenders. Morocco reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, making them the highest-ranked African nation to have achieved that feat. Haiti are returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1974. Scotland, ranked 40th in the world at the time of the draw, were seeded in Pot 3.
Scotland's Group C Fixtures: Complete Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | UK Time (BST) | UK Channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 13 / Sun 14 June 2026 | Haiti vs Scotland | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Boston | 2am BST (Sun 14 June) | BBC |
| Friday 19 June 2026 | Scotland vs Morocco | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Boston | 11pm BST | ITV |
| Wednesday 24 June 2026 | Scotland vs Brazil | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami | 11pm BST | ITV |
Match 1: Haiti vs Scotland, 13 June 2026 (2am BST Sunday 14 June)
Scotland open their campaign against Haiti at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The match kicks off at 9pm Eastern Time on Saturday 13 June, which is 2am BST in the early hours of Sunday 14 June. This is the only Scotland fixture that falls after midnight UK time. Haiti are ranked 83rd in the world and are returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1976 - their previous appearance was the 1974 tournament in West Germany.
On paper, Scotland will be considered favourites against Haiti and the opening fixture represents their best opportunity for a positive start. Gillette Stadium, home of the NFL's New England Patriots, sits in Foxborough approximately 25 miles from Boston city centre. The stadium has a capacity of approximately 65,878. Scotland played two of their three group stage matches at Gillette Stadium, meaning the Tartan Army who travel to the tournament can focus their North American base around the Boston area for the first two fixtures.
BBC holds the UK broadcast rights for this match, available free on BBC television and BBC iPlayer streaming.
Match 2: Scotland vs Morocco, 19 June 2026 (11pm BST)
Scotland face Morocco at Gillette Stadium in Boston six days later, this time kicking off at 6pm Eastern Time (11pm BST). Morocco were ranked 8th in the world at the time of the draw, making them Scotland's second most challenging group stage opponent. Morocco's semi-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar confirmed their status as one of the strongest African nations in world football. Their squad contains players from major European leagues.
The 11pm BST kick-off is accessible for UK viewers willing to stay up, and the match falls on a Friday evening. ITV holds the UK broadcast rights for this fixture, available free on ITV and ITVX streaming.
Match 3: Scotland vs Brazil, 24 June 2026 (11pm BST)
Scotland conclude their group stage campaign against Brazil at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Brazil are five-time World Cup winners, the most in the tournament's history, and have never failed to advance from the group stage. Scotland last played Brazil at the 1998 World Cup in Saint-Denis, France, losing 2-1 in the opening group match of that tournament.
Hard Rock Stadium, home of the NFL's Miami Dolphins, is the southernmost venue used by Scotland in the tournament. It kicks off at 6pm Eastern Time (11pm BST) on Wednesday 24 June. ITV holds the UK broadcast rights.
What Scotland Need to Advance
Scotland need to finish in the top two of Group C to qualify automatically for the Round of 32. Given the presence of Brazil and Morocco, who are both rated significantly higher in FIFA's world rankings, Scotland's most realistic route to the knockout stages involves winning the Haiti match and taking points from Morocco or Brazil, then relying on the third-placed team qualification system. The eight best third-placed teams across all 12 groups advance to the Round of 32, meaning a competitive third-place finish could still take Scotland through.
Scotland have never advanced beyond the group stage at any of their eight previous World Cup appearances. The 2026 tournament represents the opportunity to change that record in their ninth appearance and first in 28 years.
UK Viewing: The Late Night Challenge
Two of Scotland's three matches kick off at 11pm BST, with the Haiti fixture falling at 2am. Scottish football fans face a different viewing pattern to England supporters, whose matches all fall at 9pm or 10pm. The 11pm kick-offs are manageable for staying up, while the 2am Haiti match requires a deliberate commitment to watch live. Pubs and bars wishing to stay open for the 2am Haiti match will need appropriate licensing permissions beyond standard closing times.
All Scotland matches are free on BBC or ITV with no subscription required. Scotland fans in Scotland also have access to STV for Scottish coverage and commentary. BBC Scotland and STV typically offer dedicated Scottish broadcast coverage of national team fixtures.
Travelling to Scotland's Matches
UK fans travelling to the USA for Scotland's group stage matches need a valid ESTA for the Visa Waiver Programme. All three of Scotland's group stage matches take place in the USA, with two in Foxborough near Boston and one in Miami. UK citizens require an ESTA costing 21 US dollars, applied for at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Applications should be made well in advance of travel.
The distances involved in following Scotland through the group stage are significant. Boston to Miami is approximately 1,500 miles, meaning fans attending all three group matches face substantial domestic travel within the USA. Dallas/Fort Worth Airport is the main hub for many transatlantic connections to the East Coast, though direct flights from UK airports to Boston Logan and Miami International are available from major UK departure points.
Scotland's Manager and Squad
Scotland are managed by Steve Clarke, who has been in charge since 2019 and guided the nation through the qualification campaign. The 26-player squad confirmed for the tournament includes players from across the top European leagues. Captain Andy Robertson of Liverpool leads the side. Goalkeeper Craig Gordon and defender Jack Hendry of Al-Ettifaq are among the senior squad members. The full squad list is published on the Scottish FA website at scottishfa.co.uk and on FIFA's official tournament pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What group is Scotland in at the 2026 World Cup?
Group C, alongside Brazil, Morocco and Haiti. Scotland were placed in Pot 3 for the draw as the 40th-ranked nation in FIFA's world rankings at the time. The draw took place at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC on 5 December 2025.
What time do Scotland's World Cup 2026 matches kick off in the UK?
Haiti vs Scotland kicks off at 2am BST on Sunday 14 June (Saturday evening US time). Scotland vs Morocco kicks off at 11pm BST on Friday 19 June. Scotland vs Brazil kicks off at 11pm BST on Wednesday 24 June.
What channel are Scotland's matches on?
The Haiti match and the Brazil match are on BBC. The Morocco match is on ITV. All three are free-to-air with streaming on BBC iPlayer and ITVX respectively. STV shows Scotland's fixtures in Scotland.
Has Scotland ever advanced past the World Cup group stage?
No. Scotland have appeared at eight previous World Cups and have never advanced beyond the group stage. The 2026 tournament is Scotland's ninth World Cup appearance and first since France 1998.
Do Scotland fans need an ESTA to travel to the USA?
Yes. UK citizens including Scottish passport holders travelling to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme must hold a valid ESTA. Applications at esta.cbp.dhs.gov cost 21 US dollars and should be submitted at least 72 hours before travel.
