Scotland manager Steve Clarke in a press conference smiling at reporters

Scotland manager Steve Clarke Imago

Scotland's sensational World Cup round of 32 opponents predicted by supercomputer as opening matches complete

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Published on:

18 Jun 2026, 4:09 pm

Scotland are set to play one of the favourites to win the World Cup in the round of 32 stage according to Opta's latest predictions.

Steve Clarke's side got their World Cup campaign off to a dream start in the early hours of Sunday morning with a 1-0 win over Haiti.

John McGinn's first-half strike gave the Tartan Army their first win on the world's biggest stage since 1990.

They will now head into their clash against Morocco at 11pm on Friday night full of confidence as they sit top of Group C.

Despite their strong start, Opta are still only backing the Scots to finish third in their group after facing Morocco and then Brazil next Wednesday.

Coming third in Group C would see them face one of the winners of Groups A, E or I.

Scottish supporters' optimism about their chances of a run to a late stage of the tournament may dissipate somewhat when they see who the Opta supercomputer is predicting them to face in the first knockout round.

Scotland predicted to face World Cup favourites France in the round of 32

Co-hosts Mexico currently sit top of Group A, while Germany are leading Group E and Norway are first in Group I.

Erling Haaland fired his country to a 4-1 win over Iraq earlier this week, but Norway are only ahead of France on goal difference after their own 3-1 victory against Senegal to start the tournament.

According to Opta's latest predictions, Scotland are most likely to take on France in the round of 32 following the conclusion of the first round of group games.

Didier Deschamps' side take on Iraq next Monday, then face Norway in a potential Group I decider on Friday, 26 June.

Les Bleus are Opta's favourites to win the World Cup, and Scotland will be keen to finish in the top two of Group C to avoid that possible clash.

Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett told Football Insider that Scotland were lucky not to concede a penalty against Haiti after Grant Hanley's handball, so they will have to be at their best to get anything against Morocco or Brazil.

Ex-FIFA official apologises to Haiti as Scotland 'very fortunate' in penalty controversy

What are Opta's predictions for Scotland vs Morocco?

Scotland should be concerned after Morocco dominated for large periods against Brazil last Saturday and emerged with a better expected goals total and more big chances created.

It should come as little surprise to learn that Opta's supercomputer is backing the African champions to emerge victorious on Friday night.

Scotland have a 20.9 per cent chance of winning the game as it stands, while Morocco have a 54.2 per cent chance, and so a draw is 24.9 per cent likely.

Worldcup 2026