Scotland Snatch World Cup Qualification with Dramatic Win over Denmark

The Scottish national team clinched direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup after a thrilling 4–2 victory over Denmark on Tuesday evening at Hampden Park, in the final matchday of Group C of the European qualifiers. 

Denmark, as a result, dropped to second place and will have to settle for a spot in the European playoffs.

The match started strongly for the hosts. Scott McTominay opened the scoring early in the 3rd minute with a spectacular kick after a cross from Ben Doak, giving Scotland a huge morale boost.

In the second half, Denmark equalized through Rasmus Højlund from the penalty spot in the 57th minute. 

Shortly after, his teammate Rasmus Nissen received a red card in the 61st minute, leaving the visitors with ten men.

Despite being a man down, Denmark took the lead again through Patrick Dorgu in the 82nd minute. 

But Scotland refused to give up and equalized through Lawrence Shankland in the 78th minute after sustained attacking pressure.

In the dying moments of the match, Kieran Tierney scored a dramatic winner in the 90+3rd minute, sending Hampden Park into a frenzy and confirming Scotland’s qualification to the World Cup. 

Kenny McLean completed the 4–2 scoreline with a goal in the 99th minute.

With this victory, Scotland capped one of its most memorable nights in the qualifiers, while Denmark now faces a tougher path through the playoffs.