Scotland's World Cup qualification hopes: What results do they need?

Following Scotland's 2-1 defeat to Morocco on Friday, the team's path to the knockout stage of the Women's World Cup has become complicated. While a win against Brazil on Wednesday would secure at least second place in Group F, the more likely route involves finishing as one of the eight best third-placed teams. That scenario requires a combination of results across multiple groups, making it a test of mathematics and patience for fans.

Scotland's current position

Scotland are currently the best third-placed team, with three points from two games. However, many teams have yet to play their second match, so the standings are fluid. The key is to ensure that as many third-placed teams as possible finish with fewer than three points, or with a worse goal difference.

What Scotland can control: Beat Brazil

A victory over Brazil on Wednesday would propel Steve Clarke's side to six points, guaranteeing at least second place in the group. Brazil, ranked sixth in the world, were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in their opener before thrashing Haiti 5-0. Scotland, ranked 40th, have lost all eight previous meetings with Brazil, with two draws, the last in 1974. However, Scotland's spirited second-half performance against Morocco, which included several chances, offers hope.

Other results Scotland should root for

Between now and Scotland's match against Brazil, 18 other group games will take place. Here is a chronological guide to the results that would most benefit Scotland:

Saturday, 20 June

• Netherlands vs Sweden (Group F, 18:00 BST): A Sweden win would keep the Netherlands on three points, limiting their potential to finish above Scotland.
• Germany vs Ivory Coast (Group E, 21:00 BST): A Germany win, ideally by a large margin, would reduce Ivory Coast's goal difference.

Sunday, 21 June

• Ecuador vs Curacao (Group E, 01:00 BST): A draw would be ideal, as Ecuador still face Germany and Curacao have a heavy negative goal difference.
• Tunisia vs Japan (Group F, 05:00 BST): A draw is likely the best outcome in this unpredictable group.
• Spain vs Saudi Arabia (Group H, 17:00 BST): A Spain win would keep Saudi Arabia on one point.
• Belgium vs Iran (Group G, 20:00 BST): A Belgium win after both teams opened with draws.
• Uruguay vs Cape Verde (Group H, 23:00 BST): A Uruguay win would help Spain and Uruguay control the group.

Monday, 22 June

• New Zealand vs Egypt (Group G, 02:00 BST): A draw would leave both teams on two points, hoping they lose their final games.
• Argentina vs Austria (Group J, 18:00 BST): A big Argentina win would be beneficial, though both are likely to finish first and second.
• France vs Iraq (Group I, 22:00 BST): A France win would keep Iraq on zero points.

Tuesday, 23 June

• Norway vs Senegal (Group I, 01:00 BST): A Norway win is preferred.
• Jordan vs Algeria (Group J, 04:00 BST): A draw or narrow Jordan win, as Jordan still face Argentina.
• Portugal vs Uzbekistan (Group K, 18:00 BST): A Portugal win, as Uzbekistan are bottom on zero points.
• England vs Ghana (Group L, 21:00 BST): An England win, though both teams are on three points.

Wednesday, 24 June

• Panama vs Croatia (Group L, 00:00 BST): A Panama win followed by an England defeat would be perfect; a draw is second choice.
• Colombia vs DR Congo (Group K, 03:00 BST): A Colombia win would keep DR Congo on one point.
• Switzerland vs Canada (20:00 BST): Both already on four points; result likely doesn't matter.
• Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Qatar (20:00 BST): A draw, with both losing their final games.

Would one point be enough?

If Scotland lose to Brazil, they would finish on three points. Whether that is enough to advance as one of the best third-placed teams depends on other groups. Historically, three points has often been sufficient, but goal difference could be decisive. Scotland's current goal difference is -1 after a 2-1 loss to Morocco and a 3-0 win over Haiti. A narrow defeat to Brazil might still keep them in contention, but a heavy loss could be fatal.