The “Scottish miracle”: How Mexico vs Scotland could still happen in the World Cup round of 32
As the Mexicans await confirmation of their last-32 opponent at the 2026 World Cup, we take a look at how that team could still be Scotland.
After Mexico’s historic win over Czechia, the big question on fans’ minds is who El Tri will face in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.
Javier Aguirre’s side has already locked up its spot in the next round, but the co-hosts’ opponent for the June 30 match in Mexico City has yet to be determined.
Mexico’s 3-0 victory over the Czechs confirmed Aguirre’s men as winners of Group A, ensuring they will face a third-placed side at the Estadio Azteca.
Ecuador emerges as the most likely opponent for Mexico
The team with the strongest chance of facing Mexico is Group E’s Ecuador, a side that secured its berth in the next round with a famous win over Germany on matchday three.
Scotland clings to a slim hope of meeting Mexico
The chances of Scotland drawing Mexico are extremely slim, but there is still a mathematical path that could keep their hopes alive. To make it happen, Steve Clarke’s men would need to advance as one of the tournament’s best third-place teams, which depends on a series of results across the competition.
What Scotland needs to pull off the miracle
The so-called “Scottish miracle” starts with a key result: Ghana must beat Croatia by at least three goals in Group L. On top of that, Scotland needs Austria to defeat Algeria by a margin of two goals or more in J, where Jordan must fail to beat Argentina in its final match.
The final piece of the puzzle is that DR Congo must not defeat Uzbekistan, while the Uzbeks cannot win by a margin that swings the tiebreakers dramatically.
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