The Daily Star Ireland
Scotland and Belarus go head-to-head in a crucial World Cup 2026 qualifier, with both nations looking to bounce back and revive their campaigns. The match will be held at a neutral venue in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary, due to ongoing UEFA sanctions against Belarus. Scotland enter as firm favorites after a disciplined start, while Belarus are desperate to recover from a string of heavy defeats.
Match Preview
Scotland approach this clash with renewed confidence following a hard-fought 0–0 draw against Denmark. Under Steve Clarke’s pragmatic management, the Scots have built a reputation for resilience and structure, conceding just once in their last three games. Clarke is expected to field a slightly more attack-minded lineup this time, encouraging forward play through the wings and set pieces.
Che Adams remains the focal point in attack, supported by John McGinn and Billy Gilmour in midfield — two players vital to controlling possession and driving transitions. Scotland’s recent form has been mixed but encouraging, including solid wins over Croatia and Poland in previous internationals. That consistency, combined with tactical cohesion, makes them strong contenders to take all three points.
Belarus, on the other hand, arrive under pressure after a disastrous 5–1 defeat to Greece that further exposed defensive frailties. Head coach Carlos Alos has struggled to establish stability, with his team conceding nine goals in just two qualifying fixtures. Veteran defender Alyaksandr Martynovich could make way for Zakhar Volkov, as Alos seeks to tighten up the backline.
In attack, German Barkovskiy — one of the few bright spots in recent matches — is expected to start after scoring off the bench last time out. However, the team’s lack of balance between defense and attack remains a major obstacle, and Belarus’s away record offers little optimism heading into this contest.
Team Form & Recent Results
Scotland (Last 5 matches): D W L W D
Belarus (Last 5 matches): L L L W L
Scotland have collected two clean sheets in their last three games, while Belarus have conceded at least twice in seven of their previous nine outings.
Head-to-Head Record
The sides have met four times before, with Scotland winning three and Belarus claiming just one victory. Their most recent encounter came during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, where Scotland earned a comfortable 2–0 home win.
Lineups, Injuries & Suspensions
Scotland Predicted XI: Gunn (GK); Robertson, Tierney, Hendry, Porteous; Gilmour, McTominay, McGinn; Christie, Adams, Armstrong
Belarus Predicted XI: Pavlyuchenko (GK); Yuzepchuk, Politevich, Volkov, Pechenin; Gromyko, Klimovich, Ebong; Barkovskiy, Laptev, Savitskiy
Injuries:
- Scotland: None major reported
- Belarus: Melnichenko (doubtful)
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
Scotland are expected to control possession, utilizing their 3-4-2-1 system to overload midfield and stretch Belarus’s defensive lines. Andy Robertson’s attacking runs and McGinn’s late arrivals in the box remain key weapons, while Gilmour will dictate tempo from deep.
Belarus, conversely, will likely adopt a defensive 5-4-1 setup, relying on quick counters through Barkovskiy and Savitskiy. Their main challenge will be maintaining compactness under sustained Scottish pressure. Expect Belarus to focus on set-piece situations as their best chance to threaten.
Odds, Markets & Betting Tips
- Match Result: Scotland (1.30) | Draw (4.80) | Belarus (10.00)
- Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over (1.75) | Under (2.00)
- Both Teams to Score: Yes (2.40) | No (1.55)
Betting Insights:
- Scotland have won six of their last seven home qualifiers.
- Belarus have lost nine of their last 12 away matches across all competitions.
- Four of Scotland’s last six wins have come with clean sheets.
Where to Watch Online & Kickoff Time
Venue: ZTE Arena, Zalaegerszeg (Neutral Venue)
Date: October 11, 2025
Kickoff Time: 20:45 CET / 19:45 UK
Broadcast: Viaplay, BBC Scotland, FIFA+ (region-dependent)
Prediction: Scotland vs Belarus, World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
Scotland’s organization and confidence should prove decisive against a Belarus side struggling for structure and morale. Expect the Tartan Army to dominate possession, create steady pressure, and capitalize on defensive errors.
