Scotland clinched a direct berth to the 2026 World cup in a dramatic qualifying finale in Glasgow on Tuesday evening.
Late goals from Kieran Tierney (90+3) and Kenny McLean (90+9) sealed a 3-1 victory for the Scots over Denmark, securing their first World Cup finals appearance since 1998. Denmark will now compete in the European play-offs.
Scott McTominay opened the scoring in the third minute with an overhead kick. Denmark entered the match needing only a draw after a frustrating 2-2 result against Belarus earlier in the qualifying campaign.
Despite Denmark’s stronger possession (80 percent) in the first half, Scotland, led by captain Andy Robertson, defended resolutely to reach halftime with a 1-0 lead.
Dramatic Second Half
Denmark equalized in the 57th minute through Rasmus Höjlund, converting a penalty conceded by Andy Robertson. Rasmus Kristensen was then sent off with a red card in the 61st minute. Scotland regained the lead in the 78th minute with a goal from Lawrence Shankland, but Denmark responded quickly with a goal from Patrick Dorgu in the 82nd minute.
Tierney’s goal in added time put Scotland ahead, and McLean’s long-range strike from the halfway line in the 99th minute confirmed the result.
The European play-offs, involving 16 national teams in four four-team tournaments, will be held in March to determine the final World Cup qualifiers. The draw is scheduled for Thursday at FIFA headquarters in Zurich.
