Scotland stand on the brink of a moment they have chased for decades. As the Tartan Army gears up for a decisive clash against Greece in Piraeus, the question echoing from Glasgow to New York Harbour is simple: Is this finally Scotland’s time to return to the World Cup?

With World Cup qualifying Group C nearing its dramatic conclusion, the stakes could not be higher. A draw or win against Greece on Saturday, followed by victory over Denmark on Tuesday at Hampden Park, would place Scotland firmly on the plane to next summer’s global showpiece. After six World Cups without a Scottish presence, the anticipation, nerves and excitement have reached fever pitch.

A Tournament Out of Reach for Too Long

Since Scotland’s last World Cup appearance, 61 nations—from Togo to Trinidad & Tobago and from North Korea to New Zealand—have graced football’s grandest stage. For Scotland, the wait has become agonising, and this campaign feels like the most promising resurgence in years.

With 10 points from four games already in the bag, two more positive results would seal the dream. But the path is not straightforward — and Scotland’s recent performances have raised as many questions as answers.

Scotland’s Performance Concerns: Wins Without Conviction

Their last outing, a narrow 2–1 victory over Belarus at Hampden, may have added three points to the total, but the players were openly disappointed in themselves.

Post-match reactions were brutally honest:

• Andy Robertson: “It doesn’t feel like a win.”
• Scott McKenna: “We let ourselves down.”
• Scott McTominay: “We’ve got to be better than that.”
• Che Adams: “I think the fans were right to boo.”
• Steve Clarke: “Really, really disappointed in my team.”
• John McGinn: “Two jobby performances, but six massive points.”

Rarely do players critique their own win so harshly, and that honesty highlights the uncertainty surrounding Scotland’s form.

The Scots sit well in the group table, yet mentally and tactically, this crucial double-header will reveal everything.

Play-Off Safety Net—or Dangerous Trap?

Scotland have already secured a place in the play-offs next March, but relying on that route would be perilous. The objective is clear: avoid the play-offs entirely by finishing the job now.

But questions remain:

• Who starts in goal? Craig Gordon, despite not playing club football this season?
• Is Ben Gannon-Doak ready for a starting role, given his limited minutes at Bournemouth?
• Do Scotland go with Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes, or both?

The lineup, however important, is only half the concern. The real unknown is Scotland’s mentality after their poor, unconvincing showing against Belarus.

A Rollercoaster Qualifying Campaign

This campaign began with unexpected promise—a superb and unlikely draw in Copenhagen against Denmark. That night Scotland showed grit, defensive discipline, and resilience:

• Angus Gunn had not played since May.
• Lewis Ferguson had sat out Bologna’s past two fixtures.
• Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes were struggling for club form.
• Aaron Hickey had only 77 minutes of football in nearly two years.
• Grant Hanley’s return sparked panic, yet he produced a commanding performance.

That hard-earned point sparked belief.

A professional, controlled win over Belarus followed shortly after, keeping Scotland unbeaten and confident.

Then came the turbulence.

The Chaotic Night Against Greece

At Hampden, Scotland went an entire hour without a shot on target. Greece dominated early, with Vangelis Pavlidis missing multiple golden chances. Somehow — and even the Greeks admitted confusion — Scotland emerged 3–1 winners.

Greek substitute Dimitris Giannoulis summed it up:

“We were like a dazed boxer.”

The win was crucial, but alarming.

Belarus Nearly Punish Scotland

Days later, Belarus launched 22 attempts on goal to Scotland’s 12, and McKenna admitted they looked “more dangerous.” Scotland scraped through only by fortune and individual moments of defiance.

Despite being booed off and criticised heavily by their own players, Scotland’s points tally looked fantastic. Their performances, however, raised serious doubts.

Key Absences and Selection Headaches

Scotland will be without:

• Angus Gunn
• Billy Gilmour

McGinn and McTominay—usually Scotland’s heartbeat—haven’t been at their best for club or country lately. Ryan Christie hasn’t started Bournemouth’s last five matches. Gannon-Doak has played just 53 minutes since late September.

These issues cloud Scotland’s attacking identity and raise concerns about sharpness, creativity and confidence.

Greece Out but Dangerous

Greece enter the match already eliminated, but far from disinterested. They have pride to restore, a coach under pressure and an opportunity for revenge after Scotland shattered their World Cup hopes last month.

A wounded opponent is a dangerous opponent — and Scotland must tread carefully.

The Biggest Test Yet

Earlier in the autumn, Scotland fans would have leapt at the chance to be in this position: top-two destiny in their own hands.

But now the pressure is immense. The easy part may be behind them, achieved with grit and a fair slice of good fortune. What lies ahead is the hardest test of this team’s courage, composure and character.

One step closer to the World Cup dream — or another chapter in years of heartbreak?

On Saturday in Piraeus, Scotland will find out.