Scotland eye a crucial home win as Pocognoli’s reign faces its first test.
The Scotland national team enters the final international window of the 2026 UEFA Nations League with a clear objective: secure a home victory at Barclays Hampden and keep the prospect of a promotion play-off spot alive. Manager Sébastien Pocognoli, who took charge in September, has already reshaped the squad’s look, introducing a back-three and giving debuts to several youngsters.
After four matches in the B1 group – a win in Skopje, a draw in Ljubljana, and defeats to Switzerland and Slovenia – the team finds itself in the bottom half of the table and must now collect maximum points.
Recent results and what they mean for the group
Scotland’s campaign began with a 2-1 triumph over North Macedonia in Skopje, a result that raised early optimism. The subsequent 0-0 stalemate in Ljubljana showed defensive solidity but also hinted at a lack of cutting edge. The 3-0 loss to World Cup quarter-finalists Switzerland exposed vulnerabilities, particularly after centre-back Jack Hendry received an early red card.
The most recent 2-1 defeat to Slovenia at home left the side on the wrong side of the table, making a win against the Balkans essential to avoid finishing third.
Finishing second in Group B1 would guarantee a better seed for the Euro 2028 qualification draw. To achieve that, Scotland must take four points from the remaining fixtures – a win over North Macedonia on Friday and at least a draw, if not a win, against Switzerland on Monday in St Gallen. The Swiss side already looks strong enough to claim top spot, so the Hampden match is the realistic opportunity to stay in contention.
Squad refresh: returning stars and new faces
Several key players who missed the earlier window are now back. Scott McTominay, the 29-year-old midfield talisman, returned after a minor heart operation and has already found the net five times for Napoli. His presence adds both physicality and a goal threat from midfield. Forward Ché Adams, who celebrated his 50th cap against Brazil, recovered from a muscle injury and is firing in Serie A with four goals this season for Torino. Their inclusion offers Pocognoli the flexibility to field a two-striker system against Macedonia.
Defensive options have shifted as well. Injuries forced Stephen Welsh and Luis Binks out of the squad, prompting the call-up of Ryan Porteous (last capped in March 2025) and David Bates, who has not featured internationally since 2019. The decision to keep the back-three or revert to a back-four will depend on the fitness of these newcomers and the need for stability against stronger opponents.
Captain Andy Robertson is expected to line up on the left flank, a move that could see him match Sir Kenny Dalglish’s 102-cap record. Winger Ben Gannon-Doak provides an alternative to the ageing Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson on the right, while goalkeeper competition remains open between Angus Gunn and Falkirk’s Scott Bain after mixed performances in the previous window.
Upcoming fixtures: tactical notes and what to expect
The Friday night clash against North Macedonia is expected to be a classic Scottish home performance – high pressing, direct play and a focus on early goals. Pocognoli is likely to pair Ché Adams with Oli McBurnie up front, giving the latter a chance to break his 20-appearance goal drought. Supporting them, Kieron Bowie will continue to provide width and midfield runs, while the midfield core of McTominay, John McGinn, Billy Gilmour, Lewis Ferguson and Ryan Christie offers both creativity and stamina. Midfielders like Ferguson are already topping Serie A statistics for distance covered and pass accuracy, indicating a high work-rate that could dominate the central third.
Should Scotland secure three points, the mood will shift dramatically ahead of the Monday encounter in St Gallen. Against a Swiss side that may already have the group lead, Pocognoli could adopt a more measured approach, possibly reducing to a single striker to reinforce the midfield. The endurance of the back five, especially with the return of Kieran Tierney as a left-center-half, will be scrutinised, as will the performance of the goalkeeper under pressure.
Regardless of the tactical tweaks, the overarching narrative is clear: a home win at Hampden is non-negotiable for Pocognoli’s tenure. The match offers a chance to restore confidence and demonstrate that the new philosophy – more adventurous, forward-thinking, and less predictable than under Steve Clarke – can deliver tangible results. If the Scots can dispatch the Macedonians, the momentum may carry them into Switzerland, keeping their Euro 2028 qualification hopes alive.
