European teams Scotland vs Greece clash at Hampden Park on Thursday night in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier that could define both nations’ paths to the tournament. Tartan Army unbeaten in their opening two qualifying matches and Greece seeking redemption after their recent defeat to Denmark, this Group C encounter promises high stakes and intense competition as both teams vie for automatic qualification to the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
This crucial Group C fixture in the FIFA World Cup 2026 UEFA qualifying campaign sees Steve Clarke’s Scotland team looking to capitalize on home advantage against a Greek side that previously defeated them 3-0 in the same venue during the Nations League playoffs in March.
Scotland vs Greece Match Information, Prediction, H2H and Where to watch
Table of Contents
Scotland hosts Greece at Hampden Park, Glasgow, on Thursday, October 9, 2025, with kickoff scheduled for 19:45 BST (2:45 PM ET).
Scotland’s Recent Form:
The hosts have made a solid start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, remaining unbeaten with four points from two matches.
Clarke’s side secured a valuable 0-0 draw away to Denmark in Copenhagen before claiming an emphatic 2-0 victory over Belarus, with goals from Che Adams and an own goal. Scotland has kept three consecutive clean sheets, their best defensive run since November 2021.
Greece’s Campaign:
Greece began their qualifying journey impressively with a commanding 5-1 home victory over Belarus, showcasing their attacking prowess.
However, their momentum was halted by a disappointing 3-0 home defeat to group leaders Denmark just three days later, leaving Ivan Jovanovic’s side sitting third in Group C with three points.
Scotland vs Greece Last 5 Matches
Scotland’s Last 5 Matches
| Opponent | Score | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belarus (A) | 2-0 | W | WC Qualifier | Sep 8, 2025 |
| Denmark (A) | 0-0 | D | WC Qualifier | Sep 5, 2025 |
| Liechtenstein (A) | 4-0 | W | Friendly | Jun 9, 2025 |
| Iceland (H) | 1-3 | L | Friendly | Jun 6, 2025 |
| Greece (H) | 0-3 | L | Nations League | Mar 23, 2025 |
Greece’s Last 5 Matches
| Opponent | Score | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denmark (H) | 0-3 | L | WC Qualifier | Sep 8, 2025 |
| Belarus (H) | 5-1 | W | WC Qualifier | Sep 5, 2025 |
| Bulgaria (H) | 4-0 | W | Friendly | Jun 10, 2025 |
| Slovakia (H) | 4-1 | W | Friendly | Jun 7, 2025 |
| Scotland (A) | 3-0 | W | Nations League | Mar 23, 2025 |
Head to Head
Scotland and Greece have a competitive historical record, with their recent encounters producing memorable moments.
The nations have faced each other three times in recent years, with Scotland holding a slight advantage in the overall head-to-head record.
| Played | Scotland Wins | Draws | Greece Wins | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Matches | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Goals For | 2 | 3 | ||
| Goals Against | 3 | 2 |
The latest clashes took place during the UEFA Nations League playoffs in March 2025, where Greece overturned a 1-0 first-leg loss with a 3-0 victory at Hampden Park, earning promotion with a 3-1 aggregate win. Earlier, Scotland had claimed a 1-0 victory in Athens, highlighting the intense competitiveness of this matchup.
Scotland vs Greece Current Team News
Scotland Team News:
Steve Clarke faces a goalkeeping dilemma with several options available. Veteran Craig Gordon (42) has been recalled despite not playing since May, while Angus Gunn, who kept clean sheets against Denmark and Belarus, awaits his Nottingham Forest debut.
Lawrence Shankland has been omitted despite scoring seven goals for Hearts this season, leaving Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes, and George Hirst as the striking options.
Key players Andrew Robertson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn, and Kieran Tierney are all expected to be available.
Young talent Ben Doak continues to push for a starting position despite limited game time at Bournemouth. Clarke has confirmed that Max Johnston misses out due to Anthony Ralston’s return to fitness.
Greece Team News:
Greece manager Ivan Jovanovic has most of his squad available, with Olympiacos defender Panagiotis Retsos the only notable absentee due to a groin injury. West Ham United’s Konstantinos Mavropanos is set to partner with Konstantinos Koulierakis in central defense.
Roma loanee Kostas Tsimikas is expected to start at left-back, while experienced captain Anastasios Bakasetas could operate in an advanced role behind striker Vangelis Pavlidis.
Current Possible Starting Lineups
Scotland Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Gunn; Ralston, Souttar, McKenna, Robertson; McGinn, Gilmour; Doak, McTominay, Ferguson; Adams
Greece Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Tzolakis; Vagiannidis, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Tsimikas; Zafeiris, Kourbelis; Karetsas, Bakasetas, Tzolis; Pavlidis
Key Players
Scotland Key Players:
- Scott McTominay: The Manchester United midfielder has been instrumental with 3 goals in recent matches and provides creativity from deep positions.
- Che Adams: The striker scored in the victory over Belarus and will be crucial for Scotland’s attacking threat.
- Andrew Robertson: The Liverpool captain brings leadership and attacking threat from left-back.
- John McGinn: The Aston Villa midfielder offers energy and goal threat from midfield.
Greece Key Players:
- Vangelis Pavlidis: The Benfica striker has scored 5 goals in 8 league games this season and leads Greece’s attack.
- Anastasios Bakasetas: The experienced captain has made 77 appearances and scored 18 goals for Greece.
- Christos Tzolis: Has been in excellent form with 4 goals in his last 10 competitive appearances.
- Konstantinos Mavropanos: The West Ham defender provides Premier League experience to Greece’s backline.
Match Prediction
This encounter promises to be closely contested, with both teams having legitimate claims for victory. Scotland will be motivated by home advantage and their recent defensive solidity, having kept three consecutive clean sheets.
However, Greece’s attacking firepower, demonstrated in their 5-1 victory over Belarus, cannot be underestimated.
The psychological aspect is crucial, as Greece secured a 3-0 victory at Hampden Park in their last encounter during the Nations League playoffs.
Scotland will be determined to seek revenge and preserve their unbeaten record in World Cup qualifying.
Current Group C Standings:
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denmark | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 4 |
| 2 | Scotland | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 4 |
| 3 | Greece | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 3 |
| 4 | Belarus | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 7 | -6 | 0 |
Given the attacking quality both sides possess and the stakes involved, expect a competitive match with goals. Predicted Score: Scotland 2-1 Greece
Where to Watch Scotland vs Greece FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers 2026
United States:
- TV: FOX Soccer Plus, FS2
- Streaming: Fubo (with 5-day free trial), ViX, DirecTV Stream
- Time: 2:45 PM ET / 11:45 AM PT
Canada:
- Streaming: DAZN Canada
- Time: 2:45 PM EST / 11:45 AM PST
United Kingdom:
- TV: BBC Scotland
- Streaming: BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app
- Radio: BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Sounds
- Time: 7:45 PM BST
Australia: Check local Fox Sports or ESPN coverage for broadcasting details
Europe: Various broadcasters across different countries, including:
- Germany: DAZN
- Austria: ORF ON, ServusTV On, DAZN
- Belgium: VTM GO, DAZN, RTBF Auvio
- France: TF1+
