Scotland have won three of their five previous meetings, but did fail to win either encounters in World Cup 2006 qualifying, drawing 0-0 in Minsk before Belarus won 1-0, their most-recent visit to Hampden.
Scotland vs Belarus preview
After a victory on Thursday night that many are describing as daylight robbery, can Scotland collect three more points in their quest for a first World Cup appearance since France '98. In mid-week, the Tartan Army were in mutinous mood for long periods, witnessing their side put in a lifeless performance, eventually falling 1-0 down at home to Greece just after the hour mark. The most 'it's been coming' goal you're ever likely to see.
However, Ryan Christie fired home an equaliser soon after with Lewis Ferguson bundling the Dark Blues in front before, deep into stoppage time, Lyndon Dykes punished an all-time goalkeeping howler to lash in a clinching third. This takes Scotland's points tally up to seven in Group C, having battled to a goalless draw in Copenhagen, before beating Belarus 2-0 in Zalaegerszeg last month.
Steve Clarke's side therefore sit second in the table, below Denmark by virtue of goal difference only. Thus, at least four points from the Dark Blues' next two fixtures, followed by a home win when the Danes visit Glasgow on the final matchday, will see the Tartan Army heading to a first World Cup in 28 years. If Denmark beat Greece at Parken later in the day, a win here would guarantee at least a play-off for the Scots. Setting the permutations to one side, considering it is a tricky trip to Greece up next, they simply cannot afford to drop points on Sunday.
Well, based on what Belarus have produced in this campaign so far, they aren't likely to put up much of a fight, not that Scotland supporters will be taking anything for granted. On Thursday, once again at the eerily empty ZTE Arena, Carlos Alós' side were smashed 6-0 by Denmark, four down by half time. Before this, the White Wings, as mentioned, were also beaten 2-0 when Scotland visited Zalaegerszeg last month, having been steamrollered 5-1 by Greece in Piraeus on matchday one.
Belarus have not played a competitive fixture on home soil since March 2021 due to ongoing UEFA sanctions, and they've won only four of 32 competitive fixtures, beating only Luxembourg, Andorra and Kosovo, during this timeframe. They have won at Hampden before, but Scotland should be too strong on Glasgow's south side come Sunday evening.
Scotland vs Belarus head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 5.
- Scotland Wins: 3. Draws: 1. Belarus Wins: 1.
Scotland team news
Steve Clarke is without both Ryan Christie and Lewis Ferguson, two of the scorers against Greece, as the pair collected their second yellow cards of the campaign; this is probably the match to miss.
Billy Gilmour will come into midfield, while the other spot is very much up for grabs. Kenny McLean is the safe choice, or could there be a full-competitive debut for teenager Lennon Miller?
When Ben Gannon-Doak was replaced on Thursday, audible groans could be heard around Hampden, even if Clarke was vindicated in the end, but he will once again be Scotland's danger man.
Lastly, right-back Aaron Hickey picked up an injury against Greece, given that he spent two years on the sidelines, we hope it isn't anything serious, so Anthony Ralston will deputise.
Scotland predicted lineup vs Belarus: (4-3-3): Gunn; Ralston, Hanley, Souttar, Robertson; Gilmour, McTominay, McLean, Gannon-Doak, McGinn; Adams.
Scotland player to watch vs Belarus
John McGinn has 20 international goals to his name, only four Scotsman have more, of which 14 have been scored at Hampden, so can he bag his first in 11 months?
Belarus team news
Carlos Alós will once again deploy a rather defensive back five, not that it has worked much of late.
Vitaly Lisakovich, who has seven international goals to his name, has not been called up, so Porto teenager Trofim Melnichenko and German Barkovsky will spearhead their attack.
Belarus predicted lineup vs Scotland: (5-3-2): Lapoukhov; Pigas, Parkhomenko, Martynovich, Zabelin, Pyachenin; Korzun, Yablonsky, Ebonh; Barkouski, Melnichenko.
Belarus player to watch vs Scotland
Maks Ebonh is the top-scorer in the squad with five goals, three of which came during Euro qualification last year, most recently on target during a thrilling comeback 3-3 draw in Switzerland, so could he be the Belarusian hero at Hampden?
Scotland vs Belarus prediction
As was the case in the reverse fixture in Zalaegerszeg, we're backing Scotland for a low-scoring, low-fuss victory, even if it may take some time to break Belarus down: Scotland 2-0 Belarus.
Scotland vs Belarus FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Scotland vs Belarus in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Scotland vs Belarus in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: BBC Two & BBC Scotland
- USA: Fox Sports 2 & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Scotland vs Belarus in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Scotland vs Belarus 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 Scotland vs Belarus in World Cup qualification?
Scotland vs Belarus takes place on Sunday 12 October 2025, with kick off at 17:00 (BST), 12:00 (EDT) & 9:00 (PDT).