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Steven Naismith says Scotland are targeting a first Scotland World Cup knockout place, even with 100 days left before the tournament. The assistant coach believes the squad are ready to make new history despite a difficult Group C and a challenging travel schedule in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Scotland return to the Scotland World Cup stage for the first time since 1998, after topping their qualifying group. A 4-2 victory over Denmark in the final qualifier secured first place and ended a 28-year absence from the tournament, adding to the belief that this group can achieve something new.

Group C presents a major test for Scotland at the Scotland World Cup. The draw set up matches against five-time winners Brazil, 2022 runners-up Morocco and Haiti. Scotland have appeared at eight previous World Cups, but have never progressed beyond the group stage in any of those campaigns.

Past tournaments underline the task facing Scotland at the Scotland World Cup. The team failed to win a match in 1998, finishing with one draw and two defeats. Scotland’s last victory at this level came at Italia 90 against Sweden, which remains only their fourth win in the competition’s history.

Naismith, who won 51 caps for Scotland, thinks the current group can change that Scotland World Cup story. Naismith points to a core of established players at major clubs, supported by younger talent, and feels that combination gives the squad a real chance to deliver a first qualification for the knockout rounds.

Naismith explained that this outlook had been building since Scotland narrowly lost the World Cup play-off to Ukraine. Reflecting on discussions with manager Steve Clarke, Naismith said the target was always more than simple qualification. The staff, Naismith explained, wanted a squad that believed it could compete with elite opponents.

He told Sky Sports News: “If I’m honest, if you looked at the teams involved and our squad and where it’s at, before the draw even came out, I had a feeling that our aim, and the manager’s been very big on this way back to when we narrowly missed out in the Ukraine play-off, that we can’t not just get to the finals, we can definitely progress.”

Naismith accepts that conditions at the Scotland World Cup and long-distance travel will be demanding, but notes that these issues affect every team. He expects unfamiliar opponents and different playing styles. However, Naismith says the staff are confident the group has enough quality and mentality to adapt and still compete strongly.

Looking at the Scotland World Cup squad, Naismith describes a dressing room full of experienced figures. Many are at their peak years and used to high-pressure fixtures, which Naismith believes will help guide the younger players. The staff feel this leadership could be decisive during tight group matches against Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.

Naismith says the players are aware of Scotland’s World Cup history and want to improve it at this Scotland World Cup. Some senior members are nearing the later stages of their careers. Naismith thinks it would be fitting if those players are remembered as the first Scotland side to reach a World Cup knockout round.

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