Key Highlights
- Ben Gannon-Doak expressed confidence that Scotland will qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
- The Scottish team is preparing for crucial matches against Greece and Denmark in November 2025.
- Gannon-Doak, a 20-year-old Bournemouth winger, has already won 10 Scotland caps.
- Scotland is safe in the play-off place but aims for automatic qualification through these matches.
Scottish Team Readies for Critical World Cup Qualifiers
The Scottish national football team, under the guidance of manager Steve Clarke, is currently focusing on their upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign. As the team prepares to face Greece and Denmark in key matches, young star Ben Gannon-Doak remains optimistic about Scotland’s prospects.
Confidence from a Young Talent
In an interview with BBC Scotland, Gannon-Doak expressed his unwavering belief that Scotland will secure their place in the 2026 World Cup. “I have no doubt in my mind that we’re going to go,” he stated firmly. At just 20 years old, Gannon-Doak has already made a significant impact on the team, having secured 10 caps for Scotland so far.
Preparation and Strategy
The Scottish squad is currently in Turkey for a warm weather training camp ahead of their crucial matches. The first game against Greece is set to take place at Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus on Saturday, 15 November 2025. A win or draw will keep Scotland’s hopes alive as they aim for automatic qualification.
Gannon-Doak and his teammates are aware of the challenges ahead but remain confident. “We’re all just relaxed,” he said. “When we get closer to time, we’ll focus up and we’ll go out and get the job done.” The young star’s confidence is not misplaced; despite missing a key trip due to injury earlier in the year, Gannon-Doak returned with a strong performance against Greece last month.
Team Dynamics and Support
Gannon-Doak downplays the pressure that comes with his role as one of Scotland’s rising stars. “I don’t really feel that responsibility,” he added. “There are some players who have done a whole lot more than what I’ve done in my career in the squad.” He attributes his confidence to his team’s strength and unity, stating, “We’ve actually got a really good squad as well, so I don’t really feel the responsibility is on me, I think it’s on all of us to play well as a team.”
While Gannon-Doak’s primary focus remains on football, he did not shy away from mentioning his golfing pursuits. “Obviously, we’re all aware we weren’t at our best against Greece, but we still won, which is a sign of a good side,” he said with a hint of humor. Despite describing himself as “not very good at golf,” Gannon-Doak ended the day on the course with his team-mates.
As Scotland prepares for their final matches in November 2025, all eyes will be on how these crucial games unfold and whether they can secure a place in the 2026 World Cup. With Gannon-Doak’s confidence and the squad’s unity, Scotland may just have what it takes to make history.
