Scotland Secures Top Position in 2026 World Cup Qualifier Group While Netherlands Draw Nearer to Qualification

Scotland claimed the lead in their 2026 World Cup qualifying section following a narrow 2-1 victory against Belarus at home on Sunday, as the Netherlands edged towards confirmation of their place in the finals with an easy triumph against Finland.

Under Steve Clarke, Scotland hold a temporary three-point advantage over Denmark in Group C, though the Danish side could reclaim the summit when they face Greece at home shortly.

"We realise that each match from here on will be crucial," Scott McTominay commented to BBC Scotland.

"We've collected a solid number of points so far, but we all understand the need to improve beyond our current displays, including myself.

"We must elevate our performance levels."

Che Adams opened the scoring for the home team around the 15-minute mark at Hampden Park during a generally lacklustre showing from Scotland.

The hosts believed they deserved a spot-kick just before the hour mark after several incidents inside the Belarus penalty area, involving claims of fouls and handballs from both sides, yet following an extended VAR examination, the official rejected Scotlands protests and gave a free-kick to the away team.

Scotland benefited from VAR intervention at the 63-minute point when Evgeni Malashevichs equaliser was ultimately ruled out due to a prior foul on the Napoli Serie A title holder McTominay.

During another intense period involving the video officials, Adams netted against Belarus once more in the 70th minute, upholding the initial offside ruling against the Torino forward.

McTominay finally clinched a vital win for Scotland by striking forcefully with his left boot in the 84th minute.

Belarus capitalised on sloppy defending by Scotland late in added time as Hleb Kuchko scored, but it proved insufficient for the away team, with the Scots holding firm amid jeers from their supporters.

With 10 points now in their group, Scotland have guaranteed at least a play-off position should third-placed Greece, who have three points, suffer defeat to Denmark in Copenhagen.

Donyell Malen, Virgil van Dijk, Memphis Depay, and Cody Gakpo each scored as the Netherlands surged six points ahead at the top of Group G, beating Finland 4-0 at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.

Poland could reduce the deficit to three points against the Netherlands when they visit Lithuania later that day.

The Faroe Islands maintained their strong run in Group L by surprising the Czech Republic with a 2-1 success in Torshavn.

Martin Agnarsson netted the decisive goal in the 81st minute, just two minutes after Adam Karabec appeared to rescue a draw for the Czechs by levelling the score following the Faroe Islands' 67th-minute strike.

The Faroe Islands now trail their rivals in second place by a single point, having secured four victories in seven matches.

Croatia match the Czech Republics 13 points but could extend their lead to three when they host Gibraltar at 1845 GMT.

In Group H, Cyprus triumphed 4-0 over San Marino in the earliest match of the day, while Romania will entertain Austria later.