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
After a chastening defeat to Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, Scotland’s manager and players face serious questions about the team’s tournament performances.
Carlo Ancelotti set tactical traps for Scotland throughout the game, and according to analyst Michael Gannon, Clarke’s side walked straight into them without resistance.
Gannon noted that calamitous individual errors proved costly, with the team unable to afford gifting goals to a side of Brazil’s quality under any circumstances.
Andy Newport argued Scotland forgot their identity entirely, suggesting the squad abandoned their physical, combative style in a misguided attempt to outplay Brazil.
Ryan McDonald pointed to two defensive calamities as self-inflicted wounds, describing the collapse as an all-too-familiar tale following a horror start against Morocco earlier in the tournament.
Fraser Wilson was equally damning, stating that Brazil toyed with Scotland for the entire game and were simply better in every area across the pitch.
Wilson argued Scotland needed McTominay, Gannon-Doak and McGinn to produce their best in the final third while also demanding a flawless defensive display, and the team delivered neither.
Off the pitch, the Tartan Army have reportedly stolen the show, but the general consensus among pundits is that the playing squad has, in Gannon’s words, “stunk it out.”
McDonald described it as “another bitterly disappointing campaign,” noting that none of Scotland’s big players have stood up and delivered when it mattered most.
Wilson assessed Scotland’s overall World Cup impression bluntly as “bang average,” pointing out that outsiders expected this precise outcome given the quality of opponents in Group C.
Clarke has drawn significant criticism, particularly over his team selection against Morocco and his tactical decision-making, though some observers acknowledge he has been let down by key individuals.
Gannon identified Scott McTominay, Andy Robertson and John McGinn as players who have failed to reach the heights required, while still placing broader responsibility at the manager’s door.
Newport raised eyebrows over Clarke’s recently signed four-year contract extension, questioning how the manager merits that level of commitment given current performances at major tournaments.
McDonald produced a stark statistical summary of Clarke’s record across three major tournaments, citing nine games, four goals and a single win as evidence of consistent underperformance on the biggest stage.
McDonald also criticised Clarke’s post-match behaviour, describing his interview responses as “cringeworthy” and “unbefitting of a Scotland manager” during a difficult tournament.
The possibility of Scotland sneaking through to the last 32 as one of the best third-placed sides remains slim, with most pundits agreeing it would require a dramatic collective shift in both mentality and performance.
Newport argued that any realistic hope of redemption demands every player to raise their standards significantly, while Clarke must fundamentally rethink his vision for the national team.
Wilson captured the mood of the nation most succinctly, acknowledging the wafer-thin odds of progressing and conceding that Scotland currently do not belong anywhere near the tournament’s top 32 sides.
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