Scotland have previously qualified for 10 World Cups but only appeared at nine, having declined to appear at the 1950 tournament.
After finishing as runners-up in the British Home Championships, Scotland earned a place at the tournament in Brazil, but the Scottish Football Association declined its place on a matter of principle, having previously declared the nation would only attend as British champions.
Despite huge opposition from the players, the SFA held firm, meaning Scotland’s first World Cup was the 1954 tournament in Switzerland.
Their most consistent run of qualifications came from 1974-1990, when they appeared at five in a row.
Their full list of qualifications is as follows:
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Brazil 1950 – declined to appear
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Switzerland 1954 – group stages
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Sweden 1958 – group stages
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West Germanny 1974 – group stages
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Argentina 1978 – group stages
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Spain 1982 – group stages
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Mexico 1986 – group stages
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Italy 1990 – group stages
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France 1998 – group stages
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Canada/Mexico/United States – TBC
This article is the latest from BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything team.
