After disappointing results in the opening World Cup 2026 qualification matchday, Belarus and Scotland draw swords in a bid to register their maiden wins this campaign, behind closed doors in Hungary, on Monday 8 September.
Keep close tabs on World Cup qualifying predictions after viewing our key Belarus vs Scotland tips below.
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Belarus vs Scotland prediction: Visitors to take home all three points
Key stats
- Belarus are on a two-match losing streak, conceding nine goals in the process.
- The White Wings are winless five successive competitive games (D3, L2).
- Scotland have won three of their last five fixtures across all competitions (D1, L1).
- The visitors have lost six of their last seven competitive games away from home.
Correct score prediction: Belarus 1-3 Scotland
Belarus’ hopes of qualifying for their maiden FIFA World Cup were suppressed, as Greece handsomely struck five past the White Wings on the opening matchday. Substitute German Barkovskiy’s late penalty offered some consolation for Belarus, but their form remains concerning, having conceded four goals in the opening half of the qualifier.
Meanwhile, Scotland arrive in Hungary following a disappointing goalless draw against Denmark, where they registered only one shot on target. However, this encounter serves as a stepping stone for a maiden qualifier victory towards their first World Cup appearance since France 1998.
Scotland should prove a little too hot for Belarus to handle – we expect the Scots to edge to victory in this one, despite the absence of the Tartan Army.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Scots for the win
- HOME: 5/1 (6.00) – 16.6%
- DRAW: 14/5 (3.80) – 26.3%
- AWAY: 4/7 (1.57) – 63.6%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Belarus’ five matches so far in 2025 have averaged 4.6 goals per game, but according to bookmakers, they are unlikely to score more than one and claim a rare win. Carlos Alos’ men are booked at 5/1 (6.00) odds, implying a minority 16.6% chance of victory.
Scotland have kept four consecutive away clean sheets in World Cup qualifiers. Steve Clarke’s side are priced at 4/7 (1.57) odds, which suggest a 63.6% win probability rate.
Don’t forget to check out more of our football betting tips after going through our Belarus vs Scotland predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Yet another qualifier
All four of their H2Hs have been played in World Cup qualifiers, dating back to the 1998 and 2006 tournaments. Belarus edged Scotland 1-0 the last time they met in 2005, while Scotland are undefeated in three meetings (W2, D1).
Belarus preview: Can they stage an upset?
Despite their heavy loss to Greece last matchday, Belarus come into this clash without any real injury or suspension problems.
Predicted lineup: Pavlyuchenko (GK), Pigas, Martynovich, Zabelin, Pechenin, Yablonskiy, Korzun, Gromyko, Ebong, Kovalev & Barkovskiy
Last five matches
- Greece 5-1 Belarus (World Cup 2026 Qualifier)
- Belarus 1-4 Russia (International Friendly)
- Belarus 4-1 Kazakhstan (International Friendly)
- Azerbaijan 0-2 Belarus (International Friendly)
- Tajikistan 0-5 Belarus (International Friendly)
Scotland preview: A couple of injuries
Clarke will miss the services of two of his defenders: Antony Ralston and Kieran Tierney.
Predicted lineup: Gunn (GK), Hickey, Souttar, Hanley, Robertson, McGinn, McTominay, Ferguson, Christie, Adams & Dykes
Last five matches
- Denmark 0-0 Scotland (World Cup 2026 Qualifier)
- Liechtenstein 0-4 Scotland (International Friendly)
- Scotland 1-3 Iceland (International Friendly)
- Scotland 0-3 Greece (UEFA Nations League)
- Greece 0-1 Scotland (UEFA Nations League)
Player to watch: Che Adams
Despite a poor offensive display against Denmark, Adams remains a concrete threat for Belarus to take note of. The Torino forward is currently on a seven-match goalscoring drought, and this might just prompt him to revive his form that helped Scotland beat Liechtenstein in an international friendly back in June, where he netted a hattrick and provided an assist in a 4-0 victory.