From Batman to believers: World Cup minnows dream big

Dec 5 : A caped crusader danced in Glasgow, a tiny Caribbean island vowed to conquer the world and a Haitian fan predicted a semi-final run, as the 2026 World Cup draw delivered equal measures of euphoria and ambition for football's underdogs on Friday.

Scotland's 28-year wait to return to football's biggest stage exploded into kilted chaos at a Glasgow pub, where one supporter dressed as Batman captured the national mood.

"There's nothing better than our nation coming together. Forget Celtic, Rangers, unite the clans. Braveheart McBatman, here we go," shouted the caped crusader as fans sang "No Scotland, No Party."

The Tartan Army will face five-time winners Brazil, 2022 semi-finalists Morocco and Haiti in Group C.  A rematch with Brazil coming exactly 28 years after Scotland last appeared at a World Cup in 1998 and faced the same opponents in their opening game.

But if Scotland's return was joyous, tiny Curacao's debut was nothing short of miraculous. With just over 150,000 residents, the Caribbean island has become one of the smallest countries ever to reach the finals.

"I am so, so very proud. It's like the first time ever - it's like history written. I do not have words," said one emotional fan in Willemstad, the island's capital, as supporters absorbed their Group E draw with four-time champions Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast.

SOCCER'S DAVIDS VS GOLIATHS

Size, however, hasn't dampened ambition. "We're coming to conquer the whole world. It doesn't matter who we play against, Curacao is coming to the World Cup! Everybody be prepared," declared another jubilant supporter.

Haiti's qualification carried deep significance, with fans celebrating despite gang violence forcing them to play "home" fixtures in Curacao. Their 2-0