Group C of the 2026 World Cup concluded on Wednesday, but Scotland remain stranded in third place, waiting anxiously at their training base in Charlotte.

Scotland were left lamenting their defensive lapses after conceding three goals to Brazil and managing just one against Haiti. The defeat to Morocco in between was particularly costly and frustrating. As a result, Scotland ended their group campaign in third place with three points.

Although they share the same record of one win and two defeats, Steve Clarke’s side could have had a stronger chance of progressing to the round of 32 if not for their unfavourable goal difference.

At present, they find themselves teetering on the edge and in serious jeopardy. John McGinn, who captained the side in the second half against Brazil following Andy Robertson’s substitution, admitted after the match that Scotland now needed a ‘miracle’ to advance.

Their fate is no longer in their own control, and the qualification scenarios are complex. Here’s how things currently stand.

With Groups G, H, J, K, and L yet to complete their final group matches, Scotland’s tally of three points and a goal difference of -3 places them ninth in the standings of third-placed teams — just outside the top eight positions required to reach the knockout stage.

That means Scotland’s hopes of reaching the round of 32 remain alive. Barely, but still alive.

Scotland might climb back up the rankings over the coming days, and their wait for confirmation could stretch until the final moments of the group phase, likely concluding in the early hours of Sunday morning (Scottish time).

There’s a mix of discouraging and hopeful news for the Scots. The downside is that all the teams below them in the third-place ranking still have one match remaining.

On the brighter side, Algeria (seventh) and Croatia (fifth) also have one fixture left, meaning a defeat for either could worsen their goal difference and potentially bring them level on points with Scotland.

However, with the uncertainty surrounding which third-placed teams will ultimately qualify, here’s what Scotland’s much-needed miracle scenario would require.

Croatia face Ghana in their final Group L encounter. For Scotland to benefit, Croatia must lose by more than two goals, which would keep them third and erase their advantage on goal difference.

Algeria currently sit just one goal better than Scotland in both goal difference and goals scored. Their last Group J match is against Austria, and a draw would send both teams through.

Cape Verde (ninth) are third in Group H with two points. Their final group game is against Saudi Arabia, who cannot afford to settle for a point. If Spain defeat Uruguay, the South Americans would likely finish third and fail to overtake Scotland.

Scotland would remain above the third-placed team in Group G if Belgium beat New Zealand and Egypt overcome Iran, but they also need Uzbekistan to secure at least a draw against DR Congo in Group K.