Scotland carry Euro 2024 pain into World Cup 2026 quest

Ryan Christie and Scotland seek first-ever World Cup group stage advancement in 2026 after heartbreak in Euro 2024.

Last touch at Euro 2024 Ryan Christie made the final Scotland touch at Euro 2024 before Hungary stripped the ball and referee Facundo Tello blew the whistle before Christie could take the throw-in. Scotland’s 1-0 loss to a 100th-minute goal ended their tournament, leaving players crushed on the pitch and fans in Stuttgart devastated. The defeat remains fresh in their minds two years later as they prepare for their first World Cup appearance in 28 years. Christie reflected on the moment, saying on The Wayne Rooney Show, "A few of us left that thinking 'what could have been'." ## Determination to rewrite history The squad now carries a newfound hunger to finally advance past the group stage at the World Cup. Christie emphasized their mindset, stating, "So I think this time we’ve got a bit of a chip on our shoulder that we are going to do something at this tournament. We are absolutely desperate to be the first team to get out of the group stage, take that extra step and create a bit more history." Two years ago, Scotland opened Euro 2024 with a 5-1 loss to hosts Germany, a game Christie described as a "humbling" experience. ## World Cup 2026 group challenges With just three days left before Scotland face Haiti in their World Cup opener, optimism is high despite the tough group. Christie acknowledged the difficulty, noting, "Everybody’s at the World Cup on merit, so there are no easy games. I don’t think we’re expecting that." He highlighted the group’s perceived balance, adding, "But it gives us the chance to get off to a good start. You probably look at the group and that’s the easiest on paper. You’d rather face them than Brazil first." Christie confessed his lingering memories of the Germany defeat, saying, "I’m still having nightmares about that. But hopefully we can learn from that experience and start this one a bit better." ## Team culture shift under Clarke Christie and teammates credit head coach Steve Clarke for transforming Scotland’s national team culture into one of unity and ambition. Christie recalled his early days, saying, "When I first joined international football, I know I was a bit younger and probably a bit quieter, but I was counting down the days until I could go back home." He contrasted that with the current environment, explaining, "It’s the polar opposite now. If we’re meeting up on a Monday, everyone flies up on the Saturday night to spend an extra day with each other - it’s brilliant." ## Clarke’s leadership and player trust Trust between Clarke and his players is a cornerstone of the team’s progress. Christie noted Clarke’s confidence in allowing players freedom, saying, "He puts a big amount of trust in us in terms of if we have a day off and play golf or something, there’s full trust that we’re not going to take advantage." The 31-year-old midfielder also highlighted the long-term bond, adding, "Boys that are going to the World Cup now have been on a journey of five, six, seven years with the manager." He praised Clarke’s emotional connection to milestones, stating, "I think after the Denmark game was one of the rare times I’ve seen him properly smiling and enjoy himself a little bit, which was cool to see." ## Clarke’s legacy in Scotland football Christie firmly believes Clarke deserves recognition as one of Scotland’s greatest managers. "For me, he’s got to go down as one of the great, great Scottish managers of all time," he said, underscoring the manager’s impact on the team’s growth and confidence heading into the World Cup.