Scotland edge past Belarus to move closer to World Cup play-off spot

Scotland recorded a nervy 2–1 victory over Belarus at Hampden Park on Sunday night to move a step closer to securing a place in the 2026 World Cup play-offs. 

Despite an unconvincing performance, goals from Che Adams and Scott McTominay were enough to see off the visitors, who grabbed a late consolation through Gleb Kuchko deep into stoppage time.

Adams opened the scoring after just 15 minutes, drilling home from 18 yards after fine work by Jack Hendry. The Southampton striker’s early strike gave Steve Clarke’s side control, but Belarus frustrated the hosts with organized defending and quick counterattacks.

Scotland thought they had doubled their lead when Adams found the net again, only for VAR to briefly rule it out before awarding the goal upon review.

The second half saw more tension than control from the Scots, as Clarke’s men struggled to impose themselves in midfield. 

It took until the 84th minute for Andy Robertson’s cross to find McTominay, who slammed home Scotland’s second to calm the home crowd. 

However, complacency crept in late on as Kuchko spun past Robertson to slot in for Belarus in the 96th minute, ensuring a nervy finish for the 49,000 fans in attendance.

Despite the below-par display, the result means Scotland have now won back-to-back home qualifiers for the first time since June 2023. 

They remain unbeaten at Hampden in World Cup qualifying since 2013, a run stretching 13 matches, and are now guaranteed at least a play-off spot if Denmark defeat Greece in Copenhagen.

Head coach Steve Clarke admitted his frustration after the game, describing the performance as “really disappointing.” He said: “Performances don’t get you qualification, results do. But tonight, we didn’t get anywhere near the levels we can reach. Both sides of the ball were wrong — we didn’t control the game and we weren’t good enough with possession.” 

Clarke added that despite the struggles, his side’s resilience continues to define them: “We’ve had great moments and poor ones, but we always bounce back.”