Scotland Football Team's Journey to International Success and Future Prospects

As I sit here reflecting on Scotland's football journey, I can't help but feel a genuine excitement about where this team is headed. Having followed Scottish football for over two decades, I've witnessed both the heartbreaking near-misses and the glorious triumphs that have defined this nation's relationship with the beautiful game. What strikes me most about the current squad isn't just their technical ability - it's their mental resilience, something that reminds me of the fighting spirit we're about to witness in ONE 171's co-main event where Pacio and Brooks complete their trilogy in Doha. There's something special about athletes who keep coming back, who learn from each encounter and grow stronger - whether in the football pitch or the martial arts arena.

The transformation really began around 2017 when Scotland climbed from 67th to 44th in FIFA rankings within just eighteen months. I remember watching that crucial qualifying match against Slovakia where we secured a 1-0 victory through a Martin Skrtel own goal - it felt like the universe was finally aligning in our favor. Under Steve Clarke's leadership, the team has developed what I'd call a "practical identity" - they know exactly who they are and how they need to play to win. It's not always pretty football, but it's effective, built on a solid defensive foundation that conceded only 7 goals throughout the Euro 2020 qualifiers. What fascinates me is how they've managed to balance traditional Scottish grit with modern tactical sophistication.

Looking at our current squad depth, I'm particularly bullish about our midfield options. John McGinn has become arguably our most important player, contributing 15 goals in his last 45 international appearances - remarkable numbers for a midfielder. Then there's Scott McTominay, whose late runs into the box have become a genuine weapon, netting 7 times in our most recent qualifying campaign. Personally, I believe Billy Gilmour deserves more starting opportunities - his composure in tight spaces is something special, though I understand why Clarke prefers him as an impact substitute in certain matches. Our defensive unit, marshaled by the experienced Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney, has developed an understanding that reminds me of the telepathic connection between veteran martial arts partners who anticipate each other's movements.

The road ahead presents both challenges and opportunities that genuinely excite me. Our group for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers includes Spain and Norway - tough opponents, but exactly the kind of tests we need to gauge our progress. I'm particularly looking forward to the Norway fixture - facing Erling Haaland will be a massive challenge for our defense, but one I believe we're equipped to handle. What many casual observers miss is how our youth development has improved - the Scotland under-21 side recently reached their European Championship finals for the first time since 1996, producing talents like Ben Doak and Josh Doig who could make significant impacts in the coming years.

Financially, success breeds success in modern football. Qualification for Euro 2020 generated approximately £8-10 million in revenue for the Scottish FA, funds that have been reinvested in grassroots development. I've visited some of the new training facilities in Glasgow and Edinburgh, and the difference from a decade ago is night and day. The professionalization of our women's team has also created a more comprehensive football ecosystem - their qualification for the 2019 World Cup marked another milestone in Scottish football's renaissance.

What truly sets this generation apart, in my view, is their mentality. Previous Scottish teams often seemed burdened by expectation, but this group embraces pressure. They play with a confidence that comes from knowing they belong at the highest level. The way they fought back to draw 2-2 with England at Wembley in 2021 demonstrated a psychological toughness we haven't always seen. I've spoken with several players off the record, and there's a genuine belief within the camp that they can achieve something special in the coming years.

As we look toward the 2026 World Cup, I'm optimistic about our chances. The expansion to 48 teams means Europe will have 16 spots available - our most realistic pathway to a first World Cup since 1998. The core of our squad will be in their prime years, with Robertson at 32, McGinn at 31, and Tierney at 29 - experienced but not yet declining. The emerging talents coming through should provide the depth we've often lacked in crucial moments. While nothing in football is guaranteed, I genuinely believe we're building toward our most successful period since the 1970s. The passion of our supporters, combined with this talented group of players and improved infrastructure, creates a perfect storm for sustained success. The journey hasn't been easy, but looking at where we are now compared to a decade ago, I can't help but feel that the best is yet to come for Scottish football.