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Jun 23, 2026 Major1
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World Cup 2026: Scotland prepares for tournament as France eyes another final
Scotland prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a press conference featuring manager Lawrence Shankland, while France enters as a tournament favourite following their 2022 final appearance and 2018 World Cup victory. Multiple teams are competing across group stages with France scheduled to face Iraq in an early fixture.
Quick Facts
Who
Scotland national football team
What
Scotland press conference held
When
2026 World Cup tournament
Where
2026 FIFA World Cup (location not specified in sources)
- Scotland press conference held
- World Cup 2026 group stage matches
- France vs Iraq match scheduled
- Scotland national football team
- Lawrence Shankland
Scotland is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with manager Lawrence Shankland addressing the media ahead of the tournament. The Scottish national team is among the nations competing in what is shaping up to be a competitive World Cup campaign.
Meanwhile, France enters the tournament as one of the tournament favourites, having reached the final in 2022 and winning the World Cup in 2018. The French team faces Iraq in an early group-stage fixture scheduled for 22:00 BST on 22 June. France's strong recent pedigree at major tournaments positions them as contenders for another deep run toward the final.
Various groups are taking shape across the tournament, with multiple teams competing across different stages. The competition format includes group-stage matches where teams compete for advancement, with points awarded for wins, draws, and losses determining progression. Teams are vying for the highest goal differentials and points totals to secure qualification from their respective groups.
As preparations continue, nations are finalising their strategies and squad selections. The tournament represents a significant opportunity for countries to compete at the highest level of international football, with teams ranging from established powerhouses to emerging competitors all aiming for World Cup success.
Why This Matters
The 2026 World Cup represents a critical inflection point for major football nations. Scotland's organized preparation under Shankland signals their commitment to competitive group-stage performance, while France's tournament favorites status—backed by recent final appearances and championship experience—sets the stakes for traditional powerhouses. For fans and sports analysts, these early preparations reveal tactical priorities, squad depth, and competitive intensity that will define qualification outcomes and shape bracket dynamics.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2018
WireFrance wins the FIFA World Cup
Jan 1, 2022
WireFrance reaches World Cup final as runners-up
Jun 22, 2026
WireFrance scheduled to face Iraq in World Cup group stage
Jun 23, 2026
WireScotland press conference with Lawrence Shankland held