Scotland vs Greece

On Thursday, 9 October 2025, Scotland will host Greece at Hampden Park in Glasgow for a pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match. The match is scheduled to kick off at 19:45 BST. Both teams are vying for crucial points in Group C, with Scotland currently sitting second and Greece close behind. The fixture holds added significance as Scotland aims to avenge a 3-0 loss to Greece earlier this year in the UEFA Nations League play-offs.

Scotland’s manager, Steve Clarke, has named a squad with notable inclusions and absences. Goalkeeper Craig Gordon returns after injury, and defenders Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston have also recovered and are available for selection. However, Clarke faces a selection dilemma in attack, with Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes both vying for the starting striker role. Greece, under the guidance of coach Ivan Jovanović, will be without 17-year-old forward Konstantinos Karetsas due to illness. His absence is a significant blow, as he was instrumental in Greece’s previous victory over Scotland. Additionally, defenders Panagiotis Retsos and Giorgos Kyriakopoulos are sidelined, while midfielder Dimitrios Pelkas has been dropped from the squad. On a positive note, Norwich City’s Dimitris Giannoulis and PAOK’s Giannis Michailidis return to bolster the defense.

Steve Clarke is expected to deploy Scotland in a 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing a solid defensive structure and quick transitions. The midfield trio of John McGinn, Scott McTominay, and Lewis Ferguson will be pivotal in controlling the tempo and providing support to the attack. With the return of Tierney and Ralston, the full-backs will play crucial roles in overlapping runs and delivering quality crosses. Greece, aiming to capitalize on Scotland’s defensive vulnerabilities, may adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation. With the absence of Karetsas, the creative responsibility will likely fall on midfielder Andreas Bouchalakis. Striker Vangelis Pavlidis will be expected to lead the line and exploit any defensive lapses.

The media landscape is abuzz with anticipation for this encounter. Scotland’s recent form, including a 2-0 victory over Belarus, has bolstered confidence, while Greece’s performance against Denmark has raised concerns. Analysts highlight the significance of this match in shaping the group’s dynamics, with both teams aware that a win could significantly enhance their qualification prospects.

Studio analysts anticipate a closely contested match. The absence of Karetsas is seen as a setback for Greece, potentially limiting their attacking options. Scotland’s home advantage and recent form make them slight favorites, but experts caution that Greece’s resilience and tactical discipline could pose challenges. Predictions lean towards a narrow victory for Scotland, possibly 2-1, reflecting the competitive nature of the fixture. This match represents a crucial juncture in both teams’ World Cup qualifying campaigns, with the outcome likely to have significant implications for their aspirations.

Watch and Download Scotland vs Greece full match replay and highlights, At Thursday, October 09, 2025. The match played at Hampden Park, in World Cup Qualifying, UEFA.

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