Scotland have qualified for the men’s World Cup for the first time in 28 years after a dramatic 4–2 victory over Denmark at Hampden Park. Two stoppage-time goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean sealed a historic night, securing Scotland a place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The win ends a decades-long absence from football’s biggest stage, last reached in 1998.
Steve Clarke’s squad entered Tuesday’s decisive qualifier knowing that only a win would be enough to book their World Cup ticket. A 3–2 defeat in Greece on Saturday had narrowed their path, but Denmark’s unexpected draw against Belarus left just a single point separating the two sides ahead of the final match.
Scotland wasted no time. Inside three minutes, Scott McTominay produced a sensational overhead kick from Ben Doak’s cross, beating Kasper Schmeichel to give Scotland a perfect start. Denmark responded with intense pressure, with Rasmus Højlund missing multiple chances before finally equalising from the penalty spot in the 57th minute after a lengthy VAR check for a foul by Andy Robertson.
Red Card Turns Momentum Before Late Goals Spark Chaos
With the match finely balanced, Scotland were handed a major advantage when Rasmus Kristensen was dismissed for a second yellow after bringing down John McGinn near the halfway line. Lawrence Shankland appeared to settle the contest with a header from Lewis Ferguson’s corner in the 78th minute, sending Hampden into eruption.
But Denmark hit back quickly through Patrick Dorgu, prompting late nerves. The tension lasted until stoppage time, when Tierney curled in a spectacular 20-yard strike to restore Scotland’s lead. Moments later, McLean confirmed qualification with an audacious lob over Schmeichel from just inside the Danish half — the last kick of the match.
Players Celebrate “Long-Awaited” Return to the World Stage
“It’s been a long time,” McLean told the BBC. “To achieve it like this feels even more special. Tierney scored an unbelievable goal — the whole night was incredible.” Scotland had reached five consecutive World Cups between 1974 and 1990, but qualification had eluded them since 1998.
They now follow Norway, who also ended a 27-year absence by qualifying on Sunday.
Clarke’s Era Delivers Another Major Tournament
Since being appointed in 2019, Clarke has overseen qualification for Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 before guiding Scotland to their first World Cup in a generation. His side reached the play-offs for the 2022 tournament but lost in the semi-final to Ukraine. Scotland will learn their group-stage opponents on Friday, 5 December.
Denmark Face Play-Off Route After Defeat
The loss means Denmark — who have qualified for three of the last four World Cups — must now progress via the play-offs. Their draw takes place on Thursday.
Andy Robertson Dedicates Qualification to Late Team-Mate Diogo Jota
An emotional Andy Robertson dedicated Scotland’s qualification to his late Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota. The pair spent five seasons together at Anfield and had often spoken about sharing the experience of playing at the 2026 World Cup. Jota and his brother André Silva were killed in a car accident in Spain in July.
“I’ve hid it well, but today I’ve been in bits,” Robertson admitted. “This could be my last chance at a World Cup. I couldn’t get Diogo out of my head. He missed Qatar because of injury and I missed it because Scotland didn’t qualify. We talked so often about this one. I know he’ll be smiling somewhere.”
Robertson and Jota won the Premier League, FA Cup and two League Cups together, with Jota also earning two Nations League titles for Portugal.
