Scotland beat Belarus home and away during France '98 qualifying, winning 1-0 in Minsk and then 4-1 at Pittodrie.
However, Belarus firmly got their revenge eight years later, holding them to a goalless draw at home before a shock 1-0 victory at Hampden, one that effectively cost the Tartan Army a place in Germany.
Belarus vs Scotland preview
After a positive start to World Cup qualification on Friday night, it is now of paramount importance that Scotland collect all three points on offer at the ZTE Arena. In their Group C opener, Scotland held Denmark to a very credible goalless draw at Parken; it was a night of few chances, but Steve Clarke's side collected the point that they set out for. Given that the Danes had won ten of their previous 11 competitive games in Copenhagen, beaten only by Spain in three years, it is an impressive result.
It has been a difficult couple of years for Clarke, first seeing Scotland spectacularly crash out in the group stages at last summer's Euros, before being relegated to Nations League B back in March. Overall, since starting Euro 2024 qualifying with five wins out of five, the Tartan Army have seen their team win only three of 15 competitive fixtures, form which has concerned many, with an entire nation desperate to see their side qualify for a first World Cup since France '98.
Group C is particularly intriguing given that there is very little between Denmark, Scotland and Greece; one will qualify automatically, one will be in the play-offs and one will see their dreams in tatters. Given how competitive this section will be, one cannot afford to drop points against the group's minnows, making this trip to Zalaegerszeg simply must win for the Dark Blues.
As for Belarus, most suggested they would struggle in this group and, well, they backed up this belief on matchday one, demolished 5-1 by Greece in Piraeus. The home side were 4-0 in front by half time, with Herman Barkouski's late penalty scant consolation. The White Wings have never featured at a major tournament, last winning more than once in a single World Cup campaign in 2009.
More recently, Carlos Alós' side have won just four of their last 30 competitive fixtures, losing 16 of them, only enjoying victories over Luxembourg, Kosovo and Andorra since March 2021. Belarus have also not played a competitive home match since beating Estonia in March 2021, forced to play behind-closed-doors at a neutral venue due to Belarusian involvement in the illegal and ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Thus, Scotland should get the job done in Hungary but, this is Scotland we're talking about, so take nothing for granted in Zalaegerszeg.
Belarus vs Scotland head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 4.
- Belarus Wins: 1. Draws: 1. Scotland Wins: 2.
Belarus team news
Captain Alyaksandr Martynovich was forced off with an injury on Friday, making him a doubt. He is second on Belarus' list of all-time apperances makers, 20 adrift Alyaksandr Kulchy's record of 102.
Elsewhere, 18 year old Trofim Melnichenko will be hoping to once again lead the line, or could Herman Barkouski's goal off the bench in Greece earn him a start this time?
Belarus predicted lineup vs Scotland: (4-2-3-1): Pavlyuchenko; Pigas, Volkov, Zabelin, Pyachenin; Korzun, Yablonsky, Gromyko, Ebonh, Barkouski; Melnichenko.
Belarus player to watch vs Scotland
Maks Ebonh has five international goals to his name, netting three times during Euro 2024 qualifying, likely to be their primary goal threat here too.
Scotland team news
Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston withdrew from the squad injured last week, the former making Steve Clarke's mind up for him, sticking with the back four utilised during the last 12 months or so.
In a major surprise, Clarke went with both Lyndon Dykes and Ché Adams as a front two against Denmark, but winger Ben Gannon Doak, who was the star of the Nations League campaign, is likely to come in this time. In goal, Angus Gunn had not featured for anyone since getting injured early on against Iceland in a June friendly, but largely acquitted himself well at Parken.
Meantime, right-back Aaron Hickey started too, thereby making his first international appearance since the defeat in Spain in October 2023 due to long-term injury, with Grant Hanley, who was a colossus in Copenhagen, keeping his place alongside.
Scotland predicted lineup vs Belarus: (4-3-3): Gunn; Hickey, Hanley, Souttar, Robertson; Gilmour, McTominay, McGinn, Gannon Doak, Christie; Dykes.
Scotland player to watch vs Belarus
Scott McTominay has come to the fore as Scotland's star man in the last 12 months, taking his tally to 12 international goals in March, so will he fire his side to victory in Zalaegerszeg?
Belarus vs Scotland prediction
We are backing Scotland for victory in Hungary, even if this behind-closed-doors fixture, that'll give us all pandemic flashbacks, is unlikely to be high-scoring or spectacular: Belarus 0-2 Scotland.
Belarus vs Scotland FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Belarus vs Scotland in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Belarus vs Scotland in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: BBC Three & BBC Scotland
- USA: Fox Sports & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Belarus vs Scotland in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Belarus vs Scotland in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: BBCiPlayer
- USA: Foxsports.com & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Belarus vs Scotland in World Cup qualification?
Belarus vs Scotland takes place on Monday 8 September 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (BST), 14:45 (EDT) & 11:45 (PDT).