Steve Clarke reacts to Scotland's 'quirk of fate' 2026 World Cup draw as he receives message from rival gaffer
The Scotland boss said the draw was ‘fantastic’ and insisted Scotland will bring ‘a little bit of magic’.
As Scotland discover their World Cup 2026 opponents, a rival manager sent Steve Clarke a friendly message.
Scotland will face Brazil, Morocco and Haiti in Group C, with all their matches taking place in the USA. It will be the first time in their history they have faced the latter, however matches against the Brazilians and Moroccans will bring back memories of their last campaign in 1998.
As Clarke prepares the country for it’s biggest summer in 28 years, the Scotland boss was very upbeat after the draw and was happy that they got fixtures against teams from three different confederations, he also had time to have a catch-up with Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti.
‘Bring it on’
After the draw, Clarke told the BBC: “it’s a good draw, it took them a long time to get to draw mind! But the draw is fantastic. One of the big things in my head was no European teams so we’re playing three top sides from three different continents of the world and that’s what the World Cup is all about. So I think it’s a really good draw.”
The Scotland boss was then asked what he thought of the prospect of Brazil for the fifth time at a World Cup, who will bring a bit of ‘magic’ to the tournament, however Clarke insisted that his team are also well capable of exciting moments. He continued: “we’re going to bring a little of bit of magic as well, hopefully.
“It’s great to play them [Brazil], obviously if you go back to 1998, which is a long time ago, Brazil and Morocco were in the group, so there’s a little quirk of fate. Haiti as the pot 4 team will be difficult. They won their qualifying section quite comfortably but we managed to win ours as well so bring it on. Brazil, especially in a World Cup, is going to be a special occasion. The Brazilian fans are great, but the Tartan Army's pretty special as well."
‘See you soon’ - Ancelotti sends message to Clarke
Carlo Ancelotti was also in high spirits after the draw in what will be his first major major tournament as Brazil coach. The South Americans have won the tournament a record five times and will be one of the favourites going into next year. The veteran boss had a friendly message for Clarke before they prepare for battle in six months time.
“I just spoke with Steve Clarke and said ‘I’ll see you soon!’, it’s a difficult group but we’re excited to play important games in the group phase. Scotland did well in qualification so I think it’ll be an entertaining game. They’re a solid team, physically strong and really well-organised.”