Can Scotland Dream of Another World Cup Like in '98?

Scotland's men's football team last qualified for the World Cup in 1998, a time when the cultural landscape was vastly different. Now, as they prepare for a crucial match against Denmark that could secure their place in the 2026 World Cup, the Tartan Army reflects on past experiences and hopes for a brighter future. The upcoming game on 12 November is pivotal, with Scotland needing a win to automatically qualify and avoid the play-offs.

Last updated: 10 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Scotland's national football team is on the brink of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, with a vital match against Denmark scheduled for 12 November at Hampden Park, Glasgow. With the stakes high, the team needs a victory to secure a direct spot in the tournament, which would end a 28-year wait since their last World Cup appearance in 1998. The Tartan Army, renowned for their passionate support, is gearing up to rally behind the squad as they face this pivotal challenge.

Key takeaways

Scotland plays Denmark on 12 November, needing a win to qualify for the World Cup.
The last World Cup appearance for Scotland was in 1998.
The Tartan Army has a rich history of support at international tournaments.

Timeline: how we got here

Scotland's journey to this crucial match has seen several milestones, including:

10 June 1998: Scotland plays Brazil in the opening match of the World Cup, ultimately losing 2-1.
1998-2022: Scotland fails to qualify for multiple World Cups and European Championships, with a particularly notable absence from the global stage.
2023: Scotland secures a position in the qualifiers and prepares for the decisive match against Denmark.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The excitement surrounding the upcoming match against Denmark has reignited hope among Scottish fans, with many sharing their memories from the last time Scotland qualified for the World Cup. The Tartan Army's anticipation is palpable, with supporters eager to witness a potential return to the world stage.

What was already established

Scotland's football history is marked by a passionate fanbase and a legacy of participation in international tournaments. However, the team's failure to qualify since 1998 has fostered a sense of longing among supporters, making the current qualifiers a significant period in Scottish football history.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

A successful qualification could boost local economies, particularly in Glasgow, as fans travel to support the team. The event is likely to stimulate spending on hospitality, travel, and merchandise, creating a ripple effect across various sectors.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses, especially those associated with hospitality and tourism, are poised to benefit from the influx of fans should Scotland qualify. Increased demand for accommodations and services can lead to job creation and economic growth in the region.

Policy and regulation

The UK government and local authorities may also take steps to ensure safety and organisation around the matches, particularly if Scotland progresses to the World Cup. This includes potential regulations for fan zones and events to accommodate large crowds.

Numbers that matter

28 years: The gap since Scotland last qualified for the World Cup in 1998.
£22: Price of a match ticket for Scotland's first World Cup game against Brazil in 1998.
19,000: Estimated number of fans expected to travel to Denmark if Scotland qualifies.
12 November: Date of the crucial match against Denmark.

Definitions and jargon buster

Tartan Army: The nickname for the Scottish football supporters, known for their passionate and colourful displays.
World Cup: The premier international football tournament contested by senior men's national teams.
Hampden Park: Scotland's national football stadium, located in Glasgow.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The immediate focus is on the match against Denmark. Fans and players alike are preparing for what could be a historic moment in Scottish football.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Should Scotland qualify, the focus will shift towards preparation for the World Cup, including potential friendlies and team development.

Signals to watch

Results of the match against Denmark on 12 November.
Upcoming fixtures against other teams as part of the qualification process.
Public sentiment and fan engagement leading up to the World Cup.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about the match details and ticket availability.
Engage with the local community and businesses supporting the Tartan Army.
Participate in fan events to show support for the team.

Don’t

Don’t overlook safety protocols during the match and related events.
Don’t miss opportunities for community engagement and support initiatives.
Don’t forget to celebrate the team’s achievements, regardless of the outcome.

Checklist

Confirm your plans for watching the match.
Prepare your fan gear and merchandise to show support.
Plan your travel and accommodation if attending the match in person.
Stay updated on team news and player fitness leading up to the game.
Engage with fellow fans to amplify the spirit of the Tartan Army.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the excitement is high, there are uncertainties surrounding the team’s performance and other factors that could affect qualification. Injuries, changes in player form, or unexpected outcomes in other matches could alter Scotland's path to the World Cup. Cautious optimism is advised as fans await the decisive match against Denmark.

Bottom line

Scotland's upcoming match against Denmark is more than just a game; it is a chance to rekindle the national pride in football and potentially return to the World Cup stage after 28 years. Supporters remain hopeful and engaged, ready to rally behind their team as they seek to seize this momentous opportunity.

FAQs

When is the match against Denmark?

The match against Denmark is scheduled for 12 November at 19:45 BST at Hampden Park, Glasgow.

How can I watch the match?

You can watch Scotland v Denmark on BBC Scotland, BBC Two, and iPlayer from 19:15 GMT.

What does Scotland need to do to qualify for the World Cup?

Scotland needs to win the match against Denmark to qualify automatically for the World Cup in 2026.