Scotland Prepares for Crucial World Cup Qualifier Against Greece
World Cup Qualifying: Scotland vs. Greece
Venue: Hampden, Glasgow Date: Thursday, 9 October Time: 19:45 BST
Coverage: Watch live on BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer; listen live on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Scotland; follow live updates, goal clips, and join the conversation on the BBC Sport website and app.
As Scotland's head coach, Steve Clarke approaches a significant milestone, he found himself discussing the unexpected topic of pop star Katy Perry during a recent media conference. On Thursday, Clarke will lead the team for a record-equalling 71st time in their vital World Cup qualifier against Greece, aiming to bring an end to a 27-year absence from the tournament.
The conversation about Perry arose as her UK tour kicked off in Glasgow, where she stayed at the same hotel as the national team. "I’ve heard the name," the 62-year-old coach remarked. "If you played a couple of her songs, I’d probably recognize them, but I couldn’t name any. No disrespect to Katy, but I’m from a different generation."
Despite the playful distraction, Clarke remains focused on achieving another milestone in his tenure. Under his leadership, Scotland has qualified for back-to-back European Championships, but a World Cup appearance has yet to be realized during his six-and-a-half years as coach.
Scotland started this qualifying campaign positively, securing four points from two away matches against Denmark and Belarus. Clarke emphasized the importance of building on this success with two home wins this week. Reflecting on his upcoming milestone, he stated, "I haven’t thought about it. I don’t think I’ve finished yet. Let me complete my tasks, and then I’ll share my thoughts." He added, "We’ve established a solid foundation with our two away games, and we aim to solidify that by winning both home matches. Accumulating as many points as possible this month will put us in a favorable position for November."
This qualifying campaign, consisting of six matches over three months, has necessitated different preparations compared to previous, longer group stages. Clarke noted the unusual build-up to such a significant match, as domestic football news has overshadowed the national team, particularly following the recent dismissal of Rangers head coach Russell Martin.
Team News
Earlier today, Clarke added Max Johnston to the squad to provide additional depth, assuring that all players are fit and ready for the match against Greece. Johnston, who participated in both previous games, was "unlucky not to be included in the initial squad," according to Clarke, who remarked that the current group of attacking options is the strongest he has had, highlighting that even Lawrence Shankland couldn’t make the cut.
Match Statistics
Scotland and Greece have faced each other twice in 2025, with Greece winning both Nations League matches (Scotland 1-0, Greece 3-0).
Greece has won their last three away games against Home Nations, including victories over Northern Ireland (1-0), England (2-1), and Scotland.
Scotland has lost only once in their last 18 World Cup qualifiers (W12 D5, excluding the 2022 playoff) and remains unbeaten in their last eight matches (W7 D1) since a loss to Denmark in September 2021.
Greece lost their most recent match 3-0 to Denmark and has only won one of their last five World Cup qualifiers (D1 L3).
Scotland has won just one of their last nine home games (D3 L5) and risks losing three consecutive home matches for the first time since September 2018.
Steve Clarke will equal Craig Brown for the most matches managed in Scotland's history with his 71st game against Greece.