Burley’s Words of Wisdom to Scotland’s World Cup Squad
As Scotland approaches the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Craig Burley, the last player to score for the national team at a World Cup in 1998, has shared some valuable advice for the current squad. The buildup to the tournament has been filled with excitement as teams either secured their spots, kept hopes alive for playoff chances, or faced elimination.
With the 2026 finals set to take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, recent international matches showcased remarkable qualifying moments. Several underdog teams achieved historic results, last-minute goals changed the fates of matches, and some high-profile teams faltered.
While international breaks can often be lengthy for teams and their supporters, recent events highlighted the dramatic rollercoaster of emotions that football can evoke, leaving nations celebrating victories or mourning defeats. Here’s a look back at some standout highlights from this captivating World Cup qualifying period.
Historic Qualification for Haiti
Ranked 88th in the world, Haiti stunned observers by qualifying for the World Cup for only the second time and the first in 50 years after a 2-0 victory over Nicaragua. This win saw them leapfrog Honduras in the Concacaf Group C standings, with crucial goals from Louicius Deedson and Ruben Providence. Honduras managed only a draw, paving the way for Haiti’s triumphant advancement.
Given the ongoing unrest in their country, Haiti was forced to play on neutral ground, about 500 miles away in Curaçao. Remarkably, coach Sebastien Migne, who has not yet visited Haiti since his appointment, will lead the team at the finals hoping to improve upon their previous World Cup performance.
Curacao’s Unlikely Success
Curacao also celebrated their qualification for the World Cup with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Jamaica, placing them first in their group. In a nail-biting finish to the Concacaf qualifiers, Curacao faced a stoppage-time penalty but managed to hold on for the required draw, qualifying alongside Haiti and Panama while Jamaica and Suriname prepare for the playoffs.
Under the guidance of experienced coach Dick Advocaat, Curacao has made history as the smallest nation to qualify for the World Cup, with a population of just 156,000. Although Advocaat missed the qualifier due to family reasons, he could become the oldest manager to lead a team at the tournament if he remains in charge.
Scotland Makes a Comeback
In a historic night for Scottish football, Scott McTominay and his teammates delivered a stunning performance against Denmark, winning 4-2 and ensuring qualification for the World Cup for the first time since 1998. McTominay opened the scoring with a remarkable overhead kick after only three minutes, but it was Kenny McLean’s incredible long-range goal that ultimately stole the show.
The victory sparked wild celebrations at Hampden Park, marking the conclusion of three decades of disappointments for the Scottish national team.
Republic of Ireland’s Dramatic Turnaround
Facing elimination prior to the November international break, the Republic of Ireland, under coach Heimir Hallgrímsson, needed a miracle. Striker Troy Parrott emerged as a hero, scoring five goals across two matches, leading Ireland to crucial victories against Portugal (2-0) and Hungary (3-2) to secure a playoff spot.
Parrott’s last-minute hat trick against Hungary capped a remarkable turn of events as Ireland seeks to reach their first World Cup since 1994.
DR Congo Triumphs Over Nigeria
DR Congo celebrated a significant victory by overcoming Nigeria in a tense penalty shootout during the CAF playoffs. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time, leading to DR Congo’s triumph in penalties. Their victory ensures a chance to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1974, with their supporters flooding back to Kinshasa to welcome the team.
Iraq Stays in the Race
Iraq managed to keep their World Cup hopes alive with a dramatic winner in a recent qualifier against the United Arab Emirates. After a tough match that began with Iraq down a goal, Amir Al-Ammari’s late penalty secured a spot in the intercontinental playoffs.
First-time World Cup Qualifiers
The upcoming playoffs present a chance for several nations aiming to join the ranks of first-time qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Alongside Curacao, teams like Cape Verde, Jordan, and Uzbekistan have secured their spots on the grand international stage. Additionally, Qatar is also noted for their first qualification campaign after hosting in 2022.
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