Scotland qualified for the men’s World Cup for the first time since 1998, clinching a dramatic 4-2 victory over Denmark at Hampden Park on tuesday. Stoppage-time goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean sealed the win, sending Scotland to the top of Group C and guaranteeing automatic qualification for the 2026 tournament, which will be hosted jointly by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Scott McTominay opened the scoring with a third-minute bicycle kick, giving the hosts an early lead. Rasmus Hojlund equalized for denmark in the 57th minute, but Lawrence Shankland quickly restored Scotland’s advantage. Denmark leveled again in the 81st minute through Patrick Dorgu, threatening to secure the point needed to top the group. However, Tierney’s powerful strike in the third minute of added time and McLean’s long-range goal from his own half in the dying seconds sparked jubilant celebrations.Scotland captain Andy Robertson dedicated the win to his former Liverpool teammate, Diogo Jota, who tragically died earlier this year. “We certainly put the country through it,but I’m sure it will be worth it,” Robertson told BBC Sport.”I knew the age I’m at this would be my last chance to get to the World Cup. I couldn’t get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head today. We spoke so much together about the World Cup. When he missed out in Qatar through injury and I missed out when scotland never went.We always discussed what it would be like going to this World Cup. I know he’ll be somewhere smiling over me tonight.”
The 2026 World Cup draw is scheduled to take place in Washington on December 5th.
