Scotland is preparing for its first World Cup appearance in 28 years, with manager Steve Clarke urging his squad to "do something special" when they return to football's biggest stage. The historic qualification ends a long drought for the nation, which last appeared at a World Cup in 1998.
Meanwhile, Canada's opening match of the tournament was marred by thousands of empty seats, following a ticket price controversy. The visible gaps in attendance came just days after similar scenes at a match between South Africa and Czech Republic, raising questions about pricing and fan access.
The 2026 World Cup marks the first expanded edition featuring 48 teams, up from the previous 32. The larger field has altered the competitive landscape, with more nations earning a spot on the global stage.
For Scotland, the challenge will be to build momentum and prove they belong among the elite. Clarke's side will need to overcome the weight of history and a tough group stage draw.
"We're not just here to make up the numbers," Clarke said, emphasizing his team's ambition to advance deep into the tournament.