Ryan Christie wants to do something no Scotland team has ever done: get past the group stage of a World Cup. The midfielder, speaking about the national team’s ambitions, made clear that simply qualifying is no longer enough. With a more experienced squad and a tournament that’s about to get a lot bigger, Christie believes the moment is right for a breakthrough.
A personal target
Christie didn’t mince words. For him, the goal is to redefine what Scotland can achieve on the global stage. The 48-team format, starting with the next World Cup, opens up more spots and changes the math for teams like Scotland. Instead of hoping for a lucky draw or a single upset, the team can aim for consistent advancement. Christie’s own career — with club success and international caps — has built the foundation for that push. He wants to be part of the group that writes a new chapter.
Why the group stage has been a wall
Scotland has reached the World Cup eight times, but never made it to the knockout rounds. In 1998, they drew with Norway and Morocco but lost to Brazil, finishing third in their group. Earlier trips in the 1970s and 1980s followed a similar pattern: competitive but not enough. The team often lacked depth or tournament savvy. That’s changed. Scotland qualified for back-to-back European Championships in 2021 and 2024, giving the squad real tournament experience. Players have faced high-pressure games against top sides. Christie points to that growth as a reason for optimism.
How the expanded field changes things
The next World Cup will feature 48 teams instead of 32. That means more slots for European teams — likely 16 instead of 13. For Scotland, it’s a practical shift. Instead of needing to finish first or second in a tough qualifying group, or win a playoff, the odds improve. The group stage itself will also look different: three-team groups with two advancing. That reduces the risk of a single bad result ending the tournament. Christie and his teammates see a path that didn’t exist before. The expanded format doesn’t guarantee success, but it lowers the barrier.
Building on recent momentum
Scotland’s recent performances have raised expectations. The team earned respect at Euro 2020 by holding England to a draw and pushing Croatia. Two years later, they secured qualification for Euro 2024 with games to spare. The squad now mixes veterans like Christie with younger players gaining top-level minutes. Managerial stability has helped. The side plays with a clear identity — pressing, quick transitions, and set-piece threat. Christie believes that identity can travel to a World Cup. The next cycle of qualifiers will test whether that belief translates.
Scotland’s qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup is set to begin later this year. Christie and his teammates will face opponents that, on paper, look manageable. But the real test comes when the tournament kicks off. Can Scotland turn group-stage exits into a memory? Christie thinks so, and he’s betting his legacy on it.
