With just 42 days until the 2026 World Cup kicks off, the excitement is building—and for Scotland, this summer's tournament carries a special kind of hope. The Tartan Army is heading back to the world's biggest stage for the first time since 1998, ending a 28-year drought that stands as the longest in the nation's history.

But here's the twist: Scotland's return brings them face-to-face with an old rival. For the fifth time in their World Cup history, they've been drawn into the same group as Brazil—matching a record for the most meetings between two nations in the tournament. It's a storyline that feels both familiar and fresh, like a classic kit that never goes out of style.

Scotland's World Cup journey with Brazil began in 1974 with a gritty 0-0 draw—still their best result against the Seleção. Since then, the script has been tougher: a 4-1 loss in 1982, a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat in 1990 thanks to Müller's late strike, and another 1-0 loss in 1998. In four World Cup meetings, Scotland has yet to claim a win. But history isn't everything.

"Bring it on," said Scotland coach Steve Clarke after the draw, his confidence reflecting the spirit of a team that's waited nearly three decades for this moment. "Brazil, especially in a World Cup, is going to be a special occasion. The Brazilian fans are great, but the Tartan Army's pretty special as well. We're going to bring a little bit of magic too, hopefully."

For a nation that has won just four of its 23 World Cup matches, this tournament is about more than just stats. It's about rewriting a story. Scotland has faced Brazil more than any other country on the World Cup stage—and now, they're hoping the fifth time is the charm. Whether you're backing the yellow of Brazil or the blue of Scotland, one thing is certain: this group stage clash will be one for the history books, and perfect for showing off your team's colors.