Haiti to History: Scotland’s Summer to Shatter the Glass Ceiling

After Euro 2020/24 Disasters, Clarke Must Go Aggressive with McTominay, McGinn & Doak

Hampden Park and Scots worldwide erupted last November when Scotland qualified for the 2026 World Cup with a thrilling 4-2 win over Denmark - Scott McTominay’s bicycle kick, Lawrence Shankland’s poacher’s finish, a late screamer from Kieran Tierney and THAT half way line goal from Kenny McLean - sealing a return to the finals after 28 years. But after the timid flops of Euro 2020 and 2024, there is a real fear over how Steve Clarke’s side will perform in the States. Saturday night’s friendly 1-0 defeat against Japan saw all the hallmarks of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 all over again, and as the Tartan Army begin to dream once again - is Clarke setting us up to fail once again?

It’s been 28 years since Scotland last walked out at a World Cup - France 1998 - I was still at university. I even had hair to die Neil Lennon blonde the day before the full Romania side did likewise. For a whole generation of Scotland fans, that’s ancient history. Now, in the summer of 2026, the Tartan Army will finally get another crack at the biggest stage in world football this time across the Atlantic in the USA.

It should be a moment of celebration, and it is. But there’s also a cloud of frustration hanging over it. Because while qualifying is an achievement in itself - topping a group with Denmark, Greece, and Belarus - experience tells us that merely showing up isn’t enough. After the dour, uninspired, flaccid campaigns at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, there’s a serious risk that Scotland’s long-awaited World Cup adventure turns into another exercise in damage limitation. And if that happens, it’ll be more than just disappointing - it’ll be unacceptable.

Euro 2020 was supposed to be the breakthrough. A first major tournament in two decades, and a chance to make an impression. Instead, Scotland spent most of it camped behind the ball, playing not to lose rather than playing to win. Drawing 0-0 against England, and losing 2-0 and then 3-1 to Czechia and Croatia respectively sealed Scotland’s fate as we exited without flair or fight.

Euro 2024 was even worse, because by then we knew what to expect and Clarke still didn’t change a thing. Scotland were too passive, too predictable, and too easy to play against, suffering a dry spell of seven winless games beforehand. The players looked constrained, the system rigid, the fans resigned. And yet, here we are again, going into another major tournament with the same manager, the same approach, and the same creeping sense of fear.

Make no mistake, Steve Clarke has done an outstanding job. He’s brought structure, discipline, and a sense of unity to a Scotland side that used to be chaotic and brittle. He’s made us sort of respectable again. But there’s a difference between being respectable and being competitive. Respectability gets you to tournaments; bravery keeps you in them.

This will be Clarke’s third major finals, and his current deal covers the tournament. If Scotland once again retreat into their shell in America, then Clarke deserves no more extensions. The definition of madness is doing the same thing again and expecting a different result. We’ve seen two editions of Scotland playing the underdog card to death - just happy being at the tournament in the first place - it’s time for a different kind of performance, a different kind of animal, one driven by belief and bravery rather than fear.

Scotland aren’t short of talent. It may not be one of the most talented groups we’ve ever had, but we certainly have a few players up our sleeves that can win us games. Scott McTominay scored seven goals in qualifying, a midfielder with the engine and confidence to decide games. John McGinn is as influential as ever, the heartbeat of the team and a leader who never hides. Then there’s Ben Doak, the young winger who represents a different future for Scotland - fast, fearless, direct. Here’s hoping he makes it back to full fitness in time for the tournament.

These aren’t players who should be shackled by a safety-first mindset. Clarke’s job this summer isn’t just to pick the right team, it’s to give them permission to express themselves. There’s no glory in another 1-0 defeat described as “brave”. Bravery isn’t in how deep you defend. It’s in how much you’re willing to risk to win.

Scotland’s Group C is no nightmare scenario. Haiti are there to be beaten anything less will be a disaster, as they return for the first time since 1974. Morocco, fresh from their heroics in Qatar 2022 and this year’s controversial African Cup of Nations, are strong and technical, but not unbeatable. They’ll press and they’ll move the ball quickly, but Scotland can disrupt them if they show some adventure.

And then there’s Brazil. The name still carries glamour, but this isn’t 1998’s Ronaldo and Rivaldo lineup. The current Brazil side finished fifth in qualifying, hardly world-beaters. They’ve lost their aura, though not their threat. Scotland won’t be favourites they never are, but that shouldn’t matter. If anything, it’s the perfect game to let go of the fear and just play.

Qualifying for the knockouts has always been the holy grail for Scotland. We’ve flirted with it before - 1974, 1978, 1982, 1990 - but always fell short. It’s never been about ability; it’s been about belief. The margins in tournament football are razor-thin, but courage can make the difference between going home early and making history.

The fans will bring that courage. They always do. The Tartan Army will pour heart and soul into every match, painting American cities blue and belting out “Flower of Scotland” with pride - as well as that god awful Doh a Deer song. What they deserve in return is a team that matches that energy not one that hides behind a defensive mindset and hopes for the best.

This is Scotland’s chance to redefine how we see ourselves on the global stage. To prove we’re more than a plucky underdog, more than a punchline about glorious failure, or there to just make up the numbers. To play smart, aggressive football that respects the opponent but never fears them.

Clarke has built the foundation and got us to the tournament, now it’s time for him to let Scotland fly. If he can do that, he’ll not only secure his legacy, he’ll earn something far greater - a place in Scottish football folklore. But if it’s another summer of surrender, it’s time for change.

Because this team, this nation, and these fans deserve more than “glorious failure.” They deserve to believe again.