World Cup 2026: What history tells us about Scotland’s openers

Another squad of immense quality went to Spain in 1982 under Jock Stein, but again goal difference was their undoing.

Scotland took care of bottom seeds New Zealand in their opener in Seville, with goals from Sir Kenny Dalglish, John Robertson, Steve Archibald and a John Wark double.

It was the two they conceded that proved crucial, when combined with a heavy 4-1 defeat to Brazil and draw with the Soviet Union.

Again, a repeat of those results in the United States this month would very likely be enough for the Scots to make a historic progression to the knockouts, but the World Cup format was far more unforgiving in the past.

Four years on and it was Sir Alex Ferguson who led the nation to Mexico. It was home time at the first hurdle again, though.

Denmark, one of the best sides in Europe, awaited them in match one. Scotland were left to rue their profligacy as Preben Elkjaer Larsen’s goal gave the Danes victory, before a defeat to West Germany and a draw with Uruguay followed.

“I always thought the first game was the one,” said goalkeeper Alan Rough. “We had to take something, especially with West Germany next.”