Scotland will feature at the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 28 years after a thrilling 4-2 comeback victory over Denmark on Tuesday, while Spain, Austria, Belgium, and Switzerland also secured their spots for the 2026 finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Steve Clarke’s side clinched qualification from Group C thanks to two injury-time goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean in a dramatic finish at Hampden Park.
The home crowd was electrified early when Scott McTominay opened the scoring with a sensational overhead kick in the third minute. Denmark responded before the hour mark with a Rasmus Hojlund penalty, but were soon reduced to ten men following Rasmus Kristensen’s red card.
Lawrence Shankland initially appeared to have secured Scotland’s qualification, only for Patrick Dorgu to seemingly snatch the advantage back for Denmark late in the game. However, Tierney’s stunning long-range strike in the third minute of stoppage time, followed by McLean’s remarkable goal from near the halfway line, sealed the historic victory.
Elsewhere in Europe, Michael Gregoritsch’s 78th-minute goal helped Ralf Rangnick’s Austria secure their first World Cup appearance since 1998 with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Spain, Belgium, and Switzerland also confirmed their participation in next year’s tournament.
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