FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Play-off Semi-final 
Scotland v Ukraine
Wednesday, 1 June 2022, kick off 7:45pm
Hampden Park

Scotland prepare to face Ukraine on in a Play-off Semi-final on Wednesday night, knowing that a victory would see them move one step closer to a first FIFA World Cup Finals appearance in 24 years.

The winner of the match will face Wales on Sunday in Cardiff, and the eyes of the world will certainly be on Hampden Park for this eagerly-anticipated match, as the Ukrainian national side prepare for their first competitive outing since the ongoing conflict began in country in February.

The original fixture was due to take place on 24 March before it was postponed, and Scotland instead took on Poland in a friendly - with the match raising £500,000 for UNICEF's humanitarian response in Ukraine. 

The Scots secured their place in the Play-offs with impressive wins over Austria and Denmark as they finished second in Group F, while Ukraine went unbeaten in their qualifiers as they pipped Finland to second position in Group D.

In what is set to be an absorbing and emotionally-charged occasion, the Scots go in full of confidence and are unbeaten in their last 8 matches, although the visitors have fond memories of Glasgow after winning their Euro 2020 Round of 16 clash against Sweden at Hampden last summer.

Previous Meetings

The two countries have only met on two occasions before, both in the memorable qualifying campaign for Euro 2008 and the head-to-head record stands at one win apiece. 

Ukraine won the first clash between the sides 2-0 in 2006, with their talismanic captain Andriy Shevchenko sealing the victory after Olexander Kucher had scored the opener. 

Scotland hit back in the reverse fixture though in Glasgow, with Kenny Miller, Lee McCulloch and James McFadden all on target in a famous 3-1 win at a raucous Hampden Park. 

Craig Gordon played in both fixtures in that campaign and he will hope to once again be involved - over 15 years on from the countries' first meeting.

Pre-match thoughts

Speaking ahead of Wednesday night's encounter, Scotland head coach Steve Clarke said: “It’s good that it’s going ahead. It’s been a long wait since November when we found out who we were playing.

“Obviously circumstances have changed for the Ukrainian team but I’m pleased they’ve got the opportunity to come out and play for their country. They’ll want to represent their country well, and we’re no different.

“We’ve waited a long time for this game, to be in this position to qualify for a World Cup, and we’re determined to get to Qatar.”

Ukraine boss Oleksandr Petrakov said: "This Scotland team are a very good team, which in my opinion has no weaknesses.

"Team leaders include Andrew Robertson, John McGinn, Che Adams, Celtic captain Callum McGregor and the injured Kieran Tierney.

"I have great respect for the Scottish national team and with gratitude that they agreed to postpone the original match without any conditions to June.

“This is football. They want and we want. So we are on equal terms."

Travel advice

Travel to and from Hampden Park via train may be disrupted due to Scot Rail’s temporary timetable. We advise fans to plan your journey in advance and check Scot Rail’s website, and to allow additional time for travel as services will be busy. First Bus will also be running their Hampden Express service.

How to follow the match

The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Football and Main Event, beginning at 7pm.

You can also receive live updates via the official @ScotlandNT Twitter account.