Scotland v Belarus 2026 FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qualifier 12/10/2025. Group C Andy Robertson 3 - Scotland during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Scotland and Belarus at Hampden Park, Glasgow, United Kingdom on 12 October 2025. Editorial use only , Copyright: xRaymondxDaviesx PSI-23024-0049
Scotland are on the brink of their first World Cup appearance in 28 years, with Steve Clarke’s side taking on Bolivia in New Jersey before their tournament opener.
The Dark Blues face the South American nation at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, home of MLS side New York Red Bulls and Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League.
Scotland open their Group C campaign against Haiti in Boston on June 14, making this friendly the last competitive preparation Clarke’s squad will get before the real action begins.
Temperatures are expected to peak at 30 degrees celsius for the afternoon kick-off, giving the Scottish players a crucial opportunity to acclimatise to the sweltering American summer heat.
Scotland were dealt a major blow when Billy Gilmour was ruled out of the tournament entirely after suffering a serious knee injury during last weekend’s friendly against Curacao at Hampden.
His absence has opened the door for 19-year-old Tyler Fletcher, who earned his squad place just days after making his senior international debut against Curacao.
Lawrence Shankland enters this match in red-hot form, having scored a brace against Curacao, meaning the Rangers striker has now netted three goals across his last two caps after scoring the same tally across his previous 17 outings.
Scotland have not kept a clean sheet since a 2-0 win over Belarus away from home last September, meaning Clarke’s men have conceded in each of their last seven matches heading into tonight’s game.
Bolivia sit 76th in the FIFA world rankings, 33 places below Scotland, but came agonisingly close to qualifying for the World Cup, losing 2-1 to Iraq in the play-off final.
Their wait to return to the World Cup will stretch to 36 years by the time the next tournament arrives, having last appeared at the 1994 finals, which were also hosted by the United States.
Bolivia’s 18-year-old midfielder Moises Paniagua is considered one to watch, having already registered two goals in seven caps and secured a transfer to Moroccan heavyweights Wydad AC, the 2022 CAF Champions League winners.
One of Bolivia’s more notable recent results was a 1-0 victory over Brazil, a result that demonstrated the South Americans remain capable of producing on their day despite their world ranking.
Scotland’s starting lineup reads: Gunn, Hickey, Robertson, McTominay, Hanley, Adams, Christie, Hendry, Gannon-Doak, Ferguson, and Shankland leading the attack up front.
Lewis Ferguson has spoken about the unique bond within this Scotland squad, describing them as more than just teammates and insisting the current group is genuinely a band of brothers.
Scotland’s memorable qualifying victory over Denmark at Hampden proved what Clarke has built, with the squad defying the odds to secure their place at this summer’s tournament in the United States.
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