Ten sections will be drawn consisting of either five or six teams in each on December 7 in Zurich, Switzerland.
Scotland are ranked in the third group of teams alongside the likes of Russia, Norway, Northern Ireland, Hungary, Iceland and the Republic of Ireland, which means Steve Clarke’s team won’t be travelling to any of these venues as part of their endeavours to reach a second consecutive major tournament.
But they could be paired with recent adversaries Israel again, or sent to other recent venues like Kazakhstan, Gibraltar or Slovakia. There could even be a second trip of 2021 to Wembley on the cards if the draw falls in one particular order.
We’ve assessed the structure of the pots and come up with a nightmare group – and a best-case scenario below, for the Tartan Army.
Do you agree?
1. Denmark
A world class goalkeeper and a few top level players sprinkled throughout their side, the Danes were the lowest ranked team in the top pot until overtaking Germany and Holland on Wednesday. Scotland have a fair record against them - winning the last two at Hampden and 10 of all 16 meetings. World ranking - 13 Photo: BRUNO FAHY
2. Slovakia
Sunday's opponents were no great shakes and Scotland performed well despite the defeat. Trnava not been a happy hunting ground but potential for points in this one especially with main man Marek Hamsik approaching the twilight of his career. WR - 37 Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
3. Scotland
Scotland are in Group 3. World Ranking - 45 Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
4. Luxembourg
Given the alternatives a trip to central Europe would be fine and with little to trouble Scotland on paper this would be one of the better draws of Pot 4 for Steve Clarke. Scotland have won three of the four meetings, only drawing 0-0 away in 1987. WR - 95 Photo: ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN