Scotland’s possible World Cup knockout rounds path including dates, opponents and kick-off times

Scotland still have a realistic chance of reaching the World Cup knockouts for the first time ahead of their final group game versus Brazil.

Steve Clarke’s side got their tournament off to the perfect start with a 1-0 win over minnows Haiti.

But a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Morocco in their second game means there is work still to be done against Brazil to ensure a place in the knockout rounds.

And while plotting a team’s course through the knockout rounds of a major tournament is unpredictable by its very nature, such an undertaking can give a sense of the mouthwatering match-ups that could await Scotland in the coming weeks.

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Round of 32

As group winners: If Scotland upset the odds and win their group, they would face the runner-up from Group F on Monday, June 29 in Houston (6pm). The Netherlands, Japan or Sweden are all possible opponents.

As group runner-up: Should Scotland finish second, they would face the winners of Group F. Again, the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden are all possible opponents in a tricky group to predict. That match would take place on Tuesday, June 30 (2am) in Guadalajara.

As third-placed team: Perhaps the most realistic scenario, Scotland could face the group winner from Group A, E, and I if they finish among the top eight third-place teams.

With the three possible opponents (likely Mexico, Germany, or France) there are also three possible dates.

They would play on either Monday, June 29 in Boston (v Group E winners, 9.30pm), or Tuesday, June 30 in New Jersey (v Group I winners, 10pm), or on Wednesday, July 1 in Mexico City (v Group A winners, 2am).

Round of 16

As group winners: Victory in the round of 32 would see Scotland head up to New Jersey for a round-of-16 clash at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, July 5 (9pm). Awaiting them would be either the Group E runners-up or the Group I runners-up, but most likely one of Norway or Ivory Coast.

As group runner-up: Should Scotland make it past their round of 32 clash, they would have a real opportunity in the round of 16. South Korea appear the most likely of opponents in Houston on Saturday, July 4 (6pm).

As third-placed team: The potential opponents don’t get any easier for the Scots. Depending on which side of the draw they are on, Clarke’s side could face France in Philadelphia on Saturday, July 4 (10pm) or England in Mexico City Monday, July 6 (1am).

Quarter-final

As group winners: A tantalising clash against England could await Scotland in the last eight on Saturday, July 11 (10pm) in Miami.

As group runner-up: Now things get tricky. A match-up against France in Boston on Thursday, July 9 (9pm) could await Scotland next.

As third-placed team: More tricky fixtures (surprise, surprise). The Netherlands in Boston on Thursday, July 9 (9pm) or Brazil in Miami on Saturday, July 11 (10pm) are the two likeliest outcomes.

Semi-finals

As group winners: Let’s keep dreaming. If Clarke’s side see off the old enemy, they could then face defending champions Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15 (8pm).

As group runner-up: It is down to Dallas on Tuesday, July 14 (8pm) if Scotland can get past France in the quarter-finals. Spain appear the most likely opponents.

As third-placed team: The reigning European champions Spain (Tuesday, July 14 in Dallas, 8pm) or the defending world champions Argentina (Wednesday, July 15 in Atlanta, 8pm) would await Scotland in the final four.

Final

As group winners: A clash against reigning European champions Spain could await the Tartan Army in what would be a historic encounter. The final will take place in New York on July 19, with kick-off at 8pm.

As group runner-up: England. Yep, that’s right. A classic final between two fierce rivals is a possibility via this route.

As third-placed team: Spain or Argentina in the final. Whichever one they didn’t shock in the semi-finals to reach this point.