Five results that would send Scotland into the World Cup last 32 even with a Brazil defeat

Scotland can secure a place in the World Cup round of 32 without beating Brazil, provided a specific set of results across other groups falls in their favour. Steve Clarke’s side currently sit on three points as a third-placed team, and they need at least four other groups to produce third-place finishers on a lower tally — or the same tally with a worse goal difference.

The clearest path begins in Group A, where a Mexico victory over Czech Republic combined with South Korea beating South Africa would leave that group’s third-placed team on just one point — well below Scotland’s total.

In Group B, a draw between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar would put the third-placed side on one point, ticking off a second favourable outcome for Clarke’s squad.

Group G also offers Scotland a helping hand if Egypt beat Iran, a result that would leave the third-placed team in that group significantly short of three points.

Finally, Uruguay — yet to win at this tournament — would be left on two points if they lose to Spain in Group H, removing them from contention for a best third-place berth.

With several groups still to play two matchdays, the exact points threshold that guarantees Scotland’s progression remains fluid. What is clear is that Clarke’s side need four third-placed teams across the tournament to finish below them on points, or level on points but with an inferior goal difference, to book their place in the last 32.