The Scots find themselves in Group C along with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti, with their first match coming June 13 against the Haitians near Boston.

Alan Hutton, who earned 50 caps for Scotland during his playing career, just wants his nation to progress further than they have in their eight previous World Cup appearances, when they couldn't advance past the group stage. 

• Read next | Scotland squad for 2026 World Cup: All players, captain, shirt numbers and Steve Clarke's coaching staff

“I would be chuffed if they just got out of the group," Hutton told DAZN News on behalf of Casino News. "That's me being dead honest. I think the Haiti game is going to be massively important. Beating Haiti certainly isn’t a given, but it’s the first game, and if they can get three points from that, then that gives the team that confidence to go into the Morocco game.

“Then you’re looking at maybe a draw against Morocco, and you could possibly get out of the group. Anything after that would be an absolute bonus. The Brazil game could just be an occasion and a bonus if we get what we need first.

“This Scotland team have now had the experience from the last Euros. That didn't quite go well, but they're now used to that kind of intense competition. So I think that's a good experience for them to have had, going into this World Cup."

Scotland will rely heavily on their biggest, most experienced names to propel them this summer, with a lot of expectations placed upon the shoulders of Napoli star Scott McTominay to provide some magic.

Others who play at the top levels, including Jordan Henderson and John McGinn, will also been leaned upon to make things happen for the Scots, but Hutton highlighted a lesser-known, younger player as one who could play a key role for Steve Clarke's side.

“If you're talking about someone who could provide something a little bit different, or be a kind of breakout star, then Ben Gannon-Doak is a guy who is someone totally different from the rest of the squad," he said.

“I know he's had maybe injury problems this season, and he's been in and out of the first team at Bournemouth, but he's got pace, and he's direct, and he loves 1v1s, so he can make things happen in a way that other Scotland players do not.

“Whenever he's played in a Scotland shirt, he's been the standout. So I think he's probably one you would look at and think he's young, energetic, and he can give you something special. So I’m really looking forward to seeing Ben Gannon-Doak play in a Scotland shirt this summer."

Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Hutton added that Scotland's lack of individual star power when compared to some of the bigger nations that will compete in Canada, Mexico and the United States has led to a level of cohesion within the squad that could provide an advantage this summer. 

“However, the biggest strength of Scotland is that they play as a team," he said. "There are a lot of players that play south of the border in that squad, and if they get to those levels, then they can be competitive.

“You have to give credit to the manager for that, too, of course. Steve Clarke has been unbelievable since he took over as the Scotland manager. He's got them playing in a style that suits them, and he’s got the best out of the players that he's got.

“I just feel that the star of the show, if you want, is the overall team. They all would run through a brick wall for each other. They give each other absolutely everything that they can, with just a little bit of stardust around. So if everybody plays to their top level, Scotland can do well at this World Cup."

As for which team will win the World Cup, Hutton has a clear favourite.

“Right now, I'd probably say France," he said. "That’s off the back of me seeing their squad list. I think it's absolutely incredible, especially in terms of forward areas. They've got so many options, and so much quality. I don't really feel there's a weak part of their squad. Centre-backs, full-backs, midfielders, forwards, they’ve got everything.

“France have got the ability to win any game, because they have got game-changers within their ranks that can really do damage to teams.

“So that's my pick at this moment. I must admit, I may change my mind when I see all the other squads, like the South American teams. We don't sit and watch some of the players that Brazil and Argentina have week in, week out, so you never really know. But from what I know, I'd say France are the favourites right now."

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