Rewritten Title: World Cup Draw Looms: Scotland Eyes Rematch with Iran After 28-Year Wait
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With the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw just days away, international media is buzzing with predictions and potential group-stage narratives. A prominent Scottish newspaper has set its sights on a particular opponent for its national team: Iran.
A Long-Awaited Return
After a 28-year absence from the world’s biggest football stage, Scotland secured its qualification in a thrilling 4-2 victory over Denmark. Playing with ten men for a significant portion of the match, Steve Clarke’s squad displayed a resilient spirit, cementing their place in the 2026 tournament and igniting the hopes of their supporters.
The Quest for a Favorable Draw
As the football world anticipates the draw ceremony in Washington D.C., Scotland’s Daily Record has analyzed the optimal path for its team. The publication suggests that the most favorable group for Scotland would include host nation Canada, Iran from Pot 2, and Curaçao from Pot 4.
Scott McDermott, an analyst for the outlet, was quoted stating, “While at Euro 2024 I wanted a glamorous and tough group, this time it’s all about getting through. We would certainly beat Iran from Pot 2, and if we can’t defeat Curaçao from Pot 4, we shouldn’t even be at the World Cup.”
A Historic Subplot
The specific focus on Iran stems from a historic encounter. The report references the 1978 World Cup, where Scotland and Iran played to a 1-1 draw. The Scottish media now frames a potential match against Iran as an opportunity to “settle the score” from that fixture over four decades ago, adding a layer of historic rivalry to the modern competition.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada, will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams. The official draw will determine the fate of all qualified nations, setting the stage for the tournament scheduled for June and July of 2026.
