Scotland have sealed a first World Cup appearance since 1998 in awe-inspiring fashion after two stoppage-time goals helped them overcome Denmark in the deciding qualifier.
Scott McTominay set the tone for what would be a thrilling night at Hampden Park, scoring a bicycle kick in the third minute to break the deadlock for the hosts.
Denmark turned up the pressure and got their equaliser through a Rasmus Hojlund penalty, before Lawrence Shankland and Patrick Dorgu traded goals to leave the score level going into additional time.
With automatic qualification looking like it was slipping away, Kieran Tierney curled home a beauty to put Scotland back in control, before Kenny McLean lobbed Kasper Schmeichel from halfway in the 98th minute to rubber stamp Scotland’s qualification.
Follow all the reaction from Hampden Park in our live blog below.
Scotland vs Denmark live
- Scotland book place at 2026 World Cup in awe-inspiring fashion
- 90+8' GOAL! McLean scores from halfway to rubber stamp World Cup place [SCOT 4-2 DEN]
- 90+1' GOAL! Tierney sends Hampden into pandemonium [SCO 3-2 DEN]
- 82' GOAL! Dorgu equalses in dagger to Scottish hearts [SCO 2-2 DEN]
- 78' GOAL! Shankland puts Scotland back on course for qualification [SCO 2-1 DEN]
- 61' RED CARD! Kristensen controversially shown second yellow for Danes [SCO 1-1 DEN]
- 57' GOAL! Hojlund converts from the spot after lengthy VAR check [SCO 1-1 DEN]
- 23' NO GOAL! Hojlund lashes into roof of net but whistle blows [SCO 1-0 DEN]
- 3' GOAL! McTominay scores stunning bicycle kick to give Scotland lead [SCO 1-0 DEN]
How Scotland combined the sublime and ridiculous to make World Cup history
10:28 , Jamie BraidwoodAh, lads. My guys. Scotland’s men have qualified for a first World Cup in 28 years, most of my lifetime, and all I can think is how, how have you done it in this way? In the history of Hampden Park, never before have there been the scenes that greeted Kenny McLean’s strike from the halfway line, or Kieran Tierney’s left-footed curler that sent a deprived nation through its most glorious night in a generation.
How Scotland combined the sublime and ridiculous to make World Cup history
Scotland's first World Cup in nearly three decades awaits
01:00 , Will CastleWow, what a night. Scotland are going to their first World Cup since 1998. The play-off draw takes place on Thursday, but it’s the one in December that will be the concern of the Tartan Army. Goodnight!
John McGinn reacts to Scotland reaching World Cup: ‘We were rubbish but who cares?’
00:40 , Will CastleJohn McGinn asserted that Scotland were “rubbish” but couldn’t care less as his country sealed their first World Cup appearance in 28 years with a dramatic 4-2 win over Denmark.
"I thought we were pretty rubbish to be honest, but who cares?" McGinn told BBC Scotland. "To get over the line was such an amazing feeling. The gaffer's team talk was exceptional.
"Denmark looked more assured but we've had a lot of trauma as a Scotland team and a lot of hits. To get over the line tonight was an amazing feeling.
"It was absolutely horrible. You think that's it, glorious failure, another blow. I was thinking about the playoffs in the 91st minute. What a hit from KT - I will never feel like that in a football stadium ever again."
John McGinn reacts to Scotland reaching World Cup: ‘We were rubbish but who cares?’
Tearful Andy Robertson reveals Diogo Jota inspiration after Scotland qualify for World Cup 2026
00:20 , Will CastleAndy Robertson has revealed how the late Diogo Jota helped inspire him to qualify for the 2026 World Cup with Scotland.
“It sums up this squad, never say die, we just keep going to the end, one of the craziest games of football, we put the country through it, but it’s worth it, we’re going to the World Cup, I can’t believe it,” Robertson told BBC Sport.
“It’s different [to achievements with Liverpool], today I’m in bits, the age I’m at, this is my last chance of a World Cup, I couldn’t get my mate, Diogo Jota, out of my head today, we spoke so much about the World Cup.
“When he missed out in Qatar due to injury, I missed out, because Scotland never went, we always discussed what it would be like to go to this World Cup, I know he’ll be somewhere smiling over me tonight, I couldn’t get him out of my head all day. I was in a bit of trouble in my room earlier, and I hid it well from the boys.”
Tearful Robertson reveals Jota inspiration after Scotland qualify for World Cup 2026
Steve Clarke hails quality of Scotland’s goals which helped seal World Cup berth
00:00 , Will Castle“Scott McTominay scored the best overhead kick I’ve ever seen and it might not have been the best goal of the night!” Clarke told BBC Scotland.
“It was a lot of emotions. High and low. At times, you’re looking for solutions and thinking how to change it. I knew at some stage we’d have to go two up front.
“I felt the Danes were dominating us a little. It seemed like a good time [to make the changes]. Whether they were 10 or 11 [men], we were going to do that.
“I spoke to Kieran before the first game. He’s a key player for me, one of my men. I’ve got loads of them. Fourteen were involved in the play-off game.
“I said ‘listen, Aaron Hickey can’t do back-to-back games, I can see you coming on at right-back and doing very well for us’.
“I’m not sure I envisioned the goal… but when it was rolling back to him on his left foot, I knew he would score.
“When Kenny hit it, I thought ‘what are you doing?!’ but when I saw it in flight, I thought ‘that’s going to go in!'”
Steve Clarke hails quality of Scotland’s goals which helped seal World Cup berth
Craig Gordon, 42, says reaching the World Cup is 'everything'
Tuesday 18 November 2025 23:45 , Will Castle"It's emotional," Gordon told BBC Scotland after the dramatic 4-2 win over the Danes.
"It's been an awful long time coming, 20-odd years in this camp, trying to get there, some failures along the way, some bad nights out there, but I don't think I'll ever get one as good as that to be a part of.
"Incredible to be part of that. It's going to take a while to sink in before I can really think about the next step. I nearly retired in the summer.
"Steve Clarke was the one that told me to give it one more year, he might need me. I could have given all that up. That one moment there tonight, that is worth everything, all the disappointments, all the hard work, all the years that I've been trying.
"Seven hundred, 800 games, whatever I've played, for that one moment."
Scotland’s Gordon, 42, says it’s ‘worth everything’ to reach World Cup
When are the World Cup qualifying play-offs and when is the draw?
Tuesday 18 November 2025 23:30 , Will CastleThe Uefa play-off draw will take place on Thursday 20 November at 12pm GMT.
When do the play-offs take place?
The matches will be held in March 2026, with the semi-finals on 26 March and the finals on 31 March.
Everything you need to know:
When are the World Cup qualifying play-offs and when is the draw?
Who have qualified for the World Cup this week?
Tuesday 18 November 2025 23:15 , Will CastleScotland aren’t the only team to have secured their place at next summer’s finals.
See who has come out of a thrilling week of international football smiling - and which nations still have something to play for:
Report: Scotland book place at 2026 World Cup after dramatic Hampden Park finale
Tuesday 18 November 2025 23:00 , Will CastleScotland have secured their place at the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998 after a dramatic 4-2 victory over Denmark, sealed by stunning second-half stoppage-time goals from substitutes Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean.
Scott McTominay opened proceedings in the third minute with a glorious 12-yard overhead kick, but Steve Clarke’s side then faced intense pressure from the visitors in a fiercely contested encounter marked by numerous challenges.
Scotland centre-back John Souttar came off with a warm-up injury, and Ben Gannon-Doak was stretchered off after 21 minutes. Rasmus Hojlund then equalised from the spot in the 57th minute, momentarily quieting the Tartan Army.
His team-mate Rasmus Kristensen was sent packing in the 61st minute for picking up the second of two yellow cards and as the game took yet another twist, substitute Lawrence Shankland restored Scotland’s lead in the 78th minute only for Patrick Dorgu to level three minutes later.
However, in six minutes of added time, Tierney fired in from 25 yards with McLean scoring from the halfway line to top Group C in one of the great nights in Scotland’s history.
Full report:
Scotland book place at 2026 World Cup after dramatic Hampden Park finale
Bedlam at Hampden Park
Tuesday 18 November 2025 22:50 , Will Castle
When is the World Cup draw?
Tuesday 18 November 2025 22:41 , Will CastleScotland’s name is in the World Cup draw.
The draw for the 2026 World Cup will take place at 5pm GMT/12pm EST on Friday 5 December, at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. The US president Donald Trump is expected to be in attendance.
How does the World Cup draw work?
The 48 nations will be divided into 12 groups containing four teams each, one from each of four draw pots.
Pot one will contain the three host nations – USA, Canada and Mexico – plus the nine top countries in the Fifa world rankings who have qualified for the tournament. Already, Mexico have been assigned Group A, Canada to Group B and the USA to Group C.
Pots two, three and four will contain the next 12 best-ranked sides in order so that, theoretically, the groups will be balanced and the best teams will be kept separate until the knockout rounds.
Teams from the same confederation will be kept apart in the group stage, except for Europe where there are more teams (16) than groups. No group will have more than two European nations.
John McGinn has interview cut short for unorthodox reason
Tuesday 18 November 2025 22:22 , Will CastleJohn McGinn just had his interview cut short because he was called for an impromptu drugs test!
He said: "I'm drugs tested, it's always me!"
Scotland are off to North America
Tuesday 18 November 2025 22:15 , Will Castle
Andy Robertson pays tribute to Diogo Jota
Tuesday 18 November 2025 22:12 , Will Castle“It sums up this squad, never say die, we just keep going to the end, one of the craziest games of football, we put the country through it, but it’s worth it, we’re going to the World Cup, I can’t believe it,” Robertson said.
“Different, today I’m in bits, the age I’m at, this is my last chance of a World Cup, I couldn’t get my mate, Diogo Jota out of my head today, we spoke so much about the World Cup.
“When he missed out in Qatar due to injury, I missed out, because Scotland never went, we always discussed what it would be like to go to this World Cup, I know he’ll be somewhere smiling over me tonight, I couldn’t get him out of my head all day. I was in a bit of trouble in my room earlier, I hid it well from the boys.
“I can’t wait to get down to Liverpool and share a red wine with your Dad. He always spoke about World Cups. This group, this staff, it’s the best group I’ve been involved in.
“The manager’s speech in the hotel. He said, the big moments we had, Serbia was one of the best moments of my life. Ukraine was one of the toughest here. Qualifying for the Euros, couldn’t quite remember it, we were in a bar, then he said, let’s make it another one, he went into his life and stuff like that, we were quite emotional. It’ll go down as one of the greatest nights of my life.”
Kenny McLean reacts as Scotland book place at World Cup
Tuesday 18 November 2025 22:06 , Will Castle“The atmosphere in here, the whole place deserves it, it’s been a long time, we knew we had the ability to do it, but, to do it late on, feels that wee bit more special, the finish, KT tells me I scored the third best goal of the game, and it was a belter, it’s amazing, everyone’s family up there,” he said.
“We spoke about it the last few days, we knew it was possible, but to go and achieve it, incredible.
“I thought twice, to be honest, the keeper didn’t drop too quickly.
“I took a pop, the referee said it’s a minute to go, about a minute before, so I thought why not, to see it inside that post, it’s the best feeling I’ve had, it tops Norway.”
Steve Clarke's boys write themselves into history
Tuesday 18 November 2025 22:00 , Will Castle
Scotland qualify for 2026 World Cup
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:55 , Will CastleThat was just unbelievable. Probably the greatest night of football in Scotland’s history.
FULL-TIME! Scotland 4-2 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:49 , Will CastleIT’S OVER! SCOTLAND HAVE QUALIFIED FOR THE WORLD CUP!
It’s been a long 27 years. Scotland are back on the global stage. Mark this day in your calendar, one where history was made.
GOAL! Scotland 4-2 Denmark (McClean, 90+8')
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:47 , Will CastleFROM THE HALFWAY LINE, OH MY GODDDDDDD!
THIS IS INCREDIBLE. SCOTLAND ARE GOING TO THE WORLD CUP!
Scotland 3-2 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:47 , Will Castle90+8 mins: Still no final whistle. The Scotland bench are screaming at the ref.
Scotland 3-2 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:46 , Will Castle90+7 mins: Here come Scotland up the other end - Adams is heading for the corner.
He tries to win a corner to no success. One more hoof for Denmark.
Scotland 3-2 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:45 , Will Castle90+6 mins: Tierney smashes it away. Whistles around Hampden.
Scotland 3-2 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:45 , Will Castle90+5 mins: Scotland need to get out of their own half - and they have through Robertson.
One more minute to hold on. This is unbelievable.
GOAL! Scotland 3-2 Denmark (Tierney, 90+3')
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:42 , Will CastleOHHHHHHHBHHJBHQWQWDCEUIWYWECEWQCBUI!
KIERAN TIERNEY MAY HAVE JUST SENT SCOTLAND TO THE WORLD CUP!
A stunning goal - bending into the corner from outside the box. That’s history right there.
Scotland 2-2 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:41 , Will Castle90+2 mins: Scotland have a free-kick just in the Denmark half. Time to launch it.
Scotland 2-2 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:40 , Will Castle90 mins: SIX minutes for Scotland to save this.
Denmark have just brought on Biereth for Isaksen. It came after Norgaard replaced Hojlund a few minutes earlier.
Scotland 2-2 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:38 , Will Castle88 mins: Stephen McKenna on co-commentary just let out an audible groan in frustration as his nation search for a late winner.
Time is running out.
Scotland 2-2 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:37 , Will Castle86 mins: CLOSE! You cannot get closer than that from John McGinn.
He receives it in space inside the box and bends aiming for the top-left corner. It goes just beyond the goal. Agony.
Scotland 2-2 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:35 , Will Castle85 mins: Scotland have five minutes to produce one more moment of magic. They’ll look to Troy Parrott for inspiration.
Adams just saw his effort go agonisingly wide.
GOAL! Scotland 2-2 Denmark (Dorgu, 82')
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:31 , Will CastleA dagger to Scottish hearts.
Dorgu slots home from inside the box. Their lead lasted just four minutes.
GOAL! Scotland 2-1 Denmark (Shankland, 78')
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:27 , Will CastleHAS LAWRENCE SHANKLAND JUST SENT SCOTLAND TO THE WORLD CUP?!?!
It’s the easiest goal he will ever score, with the corner running through everyone for Shankland to tap in from a yard out.
They’re a man up, and now they’re a goal up. Scotland have 12 minutes plus stoppages to hold on.
Scotland 1-1 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:27 , Will Castle77 mins: CHANCE! Finally, something for Scotland!
A long throw is hurled into the Denmark area, causing a moment of panic as the ball pinballs off bodies.
It falls to Ferguson who scuffs his volley into the ground, bouncing into the grateful arms of Schmeichel.
Scotland 1-1 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:25 , Will Castle76 mins: Scotland get a rare glimpse at creating something as Robertson finds himself in space on the left.
However, his cross floats over everyone and out for a goal-kick. He is so much better than that.
Scotland 1-1 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:23 , Will Castle73 mins: A quick look at the stats shows just how difficult tonight has been for Scotland.
The hosts have had one shot all evening. Denmark have had 18.
This would be the ultimate smash and grab if Scotland were to get this done. But it only takes one chance...
Scotland 1-1 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:21 , Will Castle72 mins: Hampden is belting out “Flower of Scotland” to try and push their team on, but as Adams receives the ball on halfway, he’s brilliantly dispossessed by Hjulmand.
It sparks a counter which brings danger to the Scotland box. Hojlund sees a shot in the area blocked before Hjulmand, who started the move, can’t get his effort away.
Denmark have a free-kick in their half now, a stoppage which has allowed Clarke to bring Tierney on for Hickey.
Scotland 1-1 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:18 , Will Castle69 mins: Scotland might have the numbers advantage, but it’s been all Denmark since the red card.
They’ve been ticking it around the box, trying to work an opportunity in their final third.
Scotland have a chance to build something after Denmark conceded a free-kick, but they need to be more punchy with their passes.
With 20 minutes to go, time is diminishing.
Scotland 1-1 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:15 , Will Castle64 mins: Steve Clarke has turned to his bench. Shankland and Adams enter the fray, with Christie and Dykes making way.
The attacking cavalry are here.
RED CARD! Scotland 1-1 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:11 , Will Castle61 mins: That’s one way to pick Scotland back up!
Kristensen gets turned by McGinn, who goes down under an admittedly light challenge. It’s probably not a foul, let alone a yellow card - but Scotland will take that.
Hampden Park has been lifted.
Scotland 1-1 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:09 , Will Castle60 mins: Scotland need to pick themselves back up if they want to ensure their place at next summer’s World Cup.
They have half an hour to find another goal.
GOAL! Scotland 1-1 Denmark (Hojlund, 57')
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:06 , Will CastleRasmus Hojlund steps up... and fires into the top-left corner.
Denmark are back in the driving seat. Scotland are back to where they started.
PENALTY! Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:05 , Will Castle56 mins: The referee takes a couple of looks at the replays and deems Robertson’s foul as inside the area.
Denmark have a golden opportunity to take back control.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:04 , Will Castle55 mins: The referee is going to the monitor. Never a good sign.
These last two minutes have been torture for the Scots.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:03 , Will Castle54 mins: VAR are taking their sweet time over this...
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:03 , Will Castle53 mins: This is a worry for Scotland. Robertson may have just conceded a penalty.
He’s brought the Denmark man down - it’s a definite foul. The question is whether it’s committed inside or outside the box.
It looks like it’s on the line... which would be a penalty.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:01 , Will Castle52 mins: Another scary moment for Scotland as the Dorgu cross deflects off Hanley’s face. It could’ve gone anywhere but the hosts escape.
Scotland are currently sitting very deep. Every time they hoof it clear, Denmark are coming right back.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:00 , Will Castle50 mins: Denmark have started this second half with intent and are putting Scotland under sustained pressure.
The Scots are being required to deal with a flurry of crosses, with a wayward Isaksen effort giving the hosts a momentary reprieve.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:57 , Will Castle47 mins: SAVE! Finally, Hojlund hits the target - but Gordon is equal to it!
The Napoli striker squeezes a shot that’s creeping in at the near post; Gordon gets down well and makes a big stop.
BACK UNDERWAY! Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:54 , Will CastleAnd we’re off again! Scotland are 45 minutes away from the World Cup.
HALF-TIME! Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:54 , Will CastleLet’s take a look at the wider continent and see how the rest of qualifying is going.
Wales are 3-1 up on North Macedonia in their crucial clash that decides which one will go into the play-offs, thus keeping their World Cup dream alive. Belgium are all but through automatically, currently 3-0 up on Lichtenstein.
And in the other winner-takes-all match, Bosnia-Herzegovina are 1-0 up at Austria. As things stand, they’ll be topping Group H and going through automatically, while Austria will go into the play-offs.
Spain are set to top Group E with Turkey entering the play-offs regardless of results due to an insurmountable goal difference. The same goes for Switzerland and Kosovo, with the former topping Group B.
HALF-TIME! Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:50 , Will CastleJust to clarify, this is how the top of Group C currently looks.
With Scotland winning the game as things stand, they sit above Denmark in pole position on 13 points. The Danes are in second on 11 points, staring down the barrel of the perilous World Cup play-offs.
HALF-TIME! Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:47 , Will CastleScotland will be treasuring their lead, but things haven’t gone completely to plan. They’ll be hoping, along with Bournemouth, that Ben Gannon-Doak’s hamstring injury isn’t as serious as it looks.
HALF-TIME! Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:45 , Will CastleA thing of BEAUTY! Scott McTominay, take a bow.
HALF-TIME! Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:42 , Will CastleWatch it, drink it in.
MCTOMINAY!! 🏴
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) November 18, 2025
UNBELIEVABLE! 😲#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/F0IFFjU49e
HALF-TIME! Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:42 , Will CastleScotland have a precious advantage at the break as they lead Denmark in their decisive World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park.
Scott McTominay scored one of, if not the greatest goal in the country’s history to break the deadlock, rising like a basketballer to produce a bicycle kick in the third minute, sending Scotland into pandemonium.
Giving the Scots the edge they needed, Denmark have since rallied and have been working to find an equaliser. But so far, Scotland have held firm.
Scotland are 45 minutes away from the 2026 World Cup finals. This will be the biggest half of football much of the stadium have ever witnessed.
HALF-TIME! Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:37 , Will CastleAnd breathe.
Scotland go into the break with the lead. As it stands, they’re going to the World Cup.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:37 , Will Castle45+3 mins: Scotland under late pressure from Denmark as Isaksen works it well on the right side, cutting it back to Christensen who lets fly from the edge of the box.
His curling effort is deflected wide by McLean and judging by the centre-back’s reaction, that was causing Gordon some trouble.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:34 , Will Castle45+1 mins: FOUR minutes added on. It’s crucial Scotland get into half-time with this lead in tact.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:34 , Will Castle45 mins: Denmark get away with one.
It’s slack play from Kristensen as McGinn robs the ball from his feet while the Danes try to pass it out from the back.
McGinn tries to drive into the area but he’s cynically brought down by the defender at the cost of a stonewall yellow.
The definition of a tactical foul.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:30 , Will Castle42 mins: Another Hojlund half-chance goes begging as he heads over from Kristensen’s cross.
It was by no means an easy opportunity, but the sheer number of touches he’s had in Gordon’s box will be a concern for Steve Clarke.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:29 , Will Castle40 mins: Nervy moments in the Denmark back line as McLean tried to snap up a weak back-pass to Schmeichel - luckily for the visitors, the Celtic stopper gets there first.
With Dykes putting Christensen in a cul-de-sac, Denmark are under real pressure from blue shirts but manage to work it well, with Dorgu winning a free-kick.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:25 , Will Castle37 mins: CLOSE! Another Denmark pot-shot, but that was much closer.
Hojberg fires just wide of the bottom-right corner, courtesy of a deflection.
Denmark get a corner but can’t do anything with it.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:24 , Will Castle35 mins: A chance for what is becoming an increasingly-rare Scotland attack comes to nothing as Dykes mistimes his run on the counter, reaching the ball on the edge of the box only to see the flag go up.
Dykes isn’t the fastest about - you wonder how Che Adams might’ve fared if he was in that position.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:22 , Will Castle34 mins: Scotland will settle for that for Hjulmand. He receives the ball 30 yards from goal and blasts over Gordon’s goal.
That’s the seventh effort Denmark have had. None have been on target.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:18 , Will Castle30 mins: CHANCE! It’s that man again.
Scotland struggle to get out of their final third once again as a delivery is aimed towards the head of Hojlund.
The Napoli frontman is just in front of the flight so can’t guide the ball on target. You feel he’s bound to put away one of these chances if they keep coming like this.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:16 , Will Castle28 mins: Two corners, two heart-in-mouth moments for Scotland.
The first sees the ball come off a Scottish head and flash across Gordon’s goal. The second is met by Hojlund but his header goes just wide.
Scotland need to get out.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:15 , Will Castle27 mins: Scotland cannot get the ball clear right now.
Robertson stands up to his man but as he passes the ball to McGinn, the Villa midfielder has the ball nicked off him
What ensues is a flurry of Denmark deliveries, all defended but only half-cleared.
NO GOAL! Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:11 , Will Castle23 mins: Hojlund has the ball in the goal - but the whistle comes to Scotland’s rescue!
The striker is penalised for pushing Hickey in the back before controlling and lashing into the roof of the net.
A let-off. Scotland are under the cosh.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:09 , Will Castle21 mins: Gannon-Doak is stretchered off - he’s unable to walk, which could indicate something more serious than just a pulled muscle.
McLean comes on in his place.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:08 , Will Castle19 mins: This is a big blow for Scotland. To pick up the spirits, here are some pictures of McTominay’s wondergoal.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:07 , Will Castle18 mins: Concern for Scotland. Gannon-Doak looks in real pain and is holding his hamstring.
He’s in tears, his head in his hands. After such a strong start, this looks like the end of his night.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:04 , Will Castle16 mins: Denmark are knocking at the door.
Hojlund links up with former Man United teammate Dorgu, getting to the byline before fizzing it across the face of goal - no red shirt to tap home, though.
Hojlund then rises for a header in the box which is well defended, and McKenna is later required to make a big block to send a shot for a corner.
Testing moments for the hosts.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:02 , Will Castle14 mins: Denmark switch the play on the edge of the box before working it back centrally, setting up Hojberg for the shot.
He gets under it and it flies over Gordon’s goal.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:01 , Will Castle12 mins: The game has calmed down a bit after that unbelievable, inconceivable start.
Gannon-Doak is providing much of the threat and forward impetus when Scotland have the ball, but Denmark are working it nicely and are enjoying more of possession.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 19:58 , Will Castle6 mins: Just composing myself - can you believe what we’ve just seen?!
The feeling inside Hampden has completely changed, the Tartan Army wouldn’t have dreamed of this.
That said, they need to keep their heads straight - Hojlund just broke in behind and Gordon was required to make a big save to prevent his net from bulging. The flag went up afterwards, but he wasn’t to know it wouldn’t have counted.
GOAL! Scotland 1-0 Denmark (McTominay 3')
Tuesday 18 November 2025 19:51 , Will CastleOHHHHHHH MYYYYYY WORRRRRDDDD!!!
SCOTT MCTOMINAY JUST SCORED A BICYCLE KICK!
It’s brilliant from Gannon-Doak, who dances on the edge of the box before lofting a ball in. And then rises McTominay, who stays in the air for what feels like an age before producing an awe-inspiring bicycle kick!
The PERFECT start!
Scotland 0-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 19:50 , Will Castle2 mins: First roar of anticipation from the Hampden faithful as McGinn lifts one in behind for Robertson to chase.
He perhaps plays it a bit too late as the ball runs out of play.
KICK-OFF! Scotland 0-0 Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 19:49 , Will CastleWE ARE UNDERWAY!
Scotland are 90 minutes away from a place at the World Cup.
Hampden Park delivers
Tuesday 18 November 2025 19:46 , Will CastleThat was the loudest, most goosebump-inducing rendition of “Flower of Scotland” I’ve ever heard.
To the sound of bagpipes, Hampden Park has just set the tone for the night.
We have some game of football coming up.
Here come the teams
Tuesday 18 November 2025 19:44 , Will CastleHow are the nerves?
The two sets of players make their way out to Hampden. For one team, history awaits.
Time for the anthems...
Last-minute change to Scotland's starting XI
Tuesday 18 November 2025 19:42 , Will CastleA late change to Scotland’s starting XI to bring you.
John Souttar has been replaced by Grant Hanley.
Closing in on kick-off
Tuesday 18 November 2025 19:40 , Will CastleWe are just five minutes away from kick-off at Hampden Park. To paraphrase the famous ABBA anthem, the winner takes it all, the loser has to go through play-offs.
Can Scotland seal a first World Cup since 1998? We’re about to find out.
Stay tuned!
Getting in the mood at Hampden
Tuesday 18 November 2025 19:39 , Will CastleThe feeling of anticipation in Hampden is palpable. Pyro is going off, “Seven Nation Army” is blaring out of the speakers. The Tartan Army are getting in the mood.
The players are lining up in the tunnel...
Steve Clarke calls on Hampden Park to be at its best
Tuesday 18 November 2025 19:30 , Will Castle"The crowd are always important here,” Clarke said ahead of Denmark’s visit. WI touched on it briefly after the game in Greece. We need the crowd with us. We need them.
"You probably need the crowd more in the difficult moments than you do in the easy moments when you're on top of the game.
"So I think if we all work together, we can make it a great night for the country.
Denmark out to spoil the party
Tuesday 18 November 2025 19:22 , Will Castle
How Scotland fared in their last meeting with Denmark
Tuesday 18 November 2025 19:15 , Will CastleScotland end their World Cup qualifying campaign facing the same nation they started it against.
While topping the group was just a pipedream at the time, Steve Clarke’s side managed to grit out a hard-fought goalless draw in Copenhagen, picking up what would prove a vital point at group favourites Denmark.
They now need to go one better at Hampden, with only victory enough to see Scotland leapfrog the Danes and book their place at next summer’s tournament finals.
How the new World Cup format works
Tuesday 18 November 2025 19:00 , Will CastleWith next summer’s World Cup expanded to 48 teams, there has been a slight rejig in how the tournament will work.
The top two finishers in each group will qualify automatically for the last-32, along with the eight best third-placed teams.
The ranking of the third-placed teams will be determined by points, then goal difference, then goals scored. If two or more teams are still level, then “team conduct scores” will come into play (a yellow card is minus one point, a red card via two yellow cards is minus three points, and a straight red card is minus four). If still equal, the team with the highest world ranking will progress.
When are the World Cup qualifying play-offs and when is the draw?
Tuesday 18 November 2025 18:45 , Will CastleThe World Cup qualifiers are almost complete but for several countries an anxious wait remains before the full line-up for next summer’s tournament is confirmed.
There will be 16 European teams who advance to March’s play-offs, which will take place after the World Cup group-stage draw is conducted on 5 December.
The play-offs will be played in single-leg knockout matches, with the draw determining the path. The 16 teams will be draw into four sets of four, leaving each nation two wins away from the World Cup as semi-finals and then a final are played.
Here’s everything you need to know:
When are the World Cup qualifying play-offs and when is the draw?
The perfect early Christmas present?
Tuesday 18 November 2025 18:41 , Will CastleWhat the Tartan Army would do for automatic World Cup qualification...
Player arrivals at Hampden
Tuesday 18 November 2025 18:38 , Will Castle
Lyndon Dykes starts up top for Scotland
Tuesday 18 November 2025 18:35 , Will CastleSteve Clarke has rolled the dice with his selection choices.
The most notable switch sees Lyndon Dykes come in for Che Adams up front. Scott McKenna has also replaced Grant Hanley at centre-back.
For Denmark, Rasmus Hojlund returns up top after missing the Belarus game through illness.
The Danes feared the worst when a bug hit their camp, but they seem to have made it to Hampden relatively unscathed.
CONFIRMED LINE-UPS!
Tuesday 18 November 2025 18:27 , Will CastleScotland XI: Gordon; Hickey, Souttar, McKenna, Robertson; Ferguson, Christie; McGinn, McTominay, Gannon-Doak; Dykes.
Substitutes: Kelly, Bain, Hanley, Tierney, Irving, Adams, Hendry, Barron, Hirst, Shankland, Ralston, McLean.
Denmark XI: Schmeichel; Kristensen, Andersen, Christensen, Dorgu; Isaksen, Hjulmand, Froholdt, Hojbjerg, Damsgaard; Hojlund.
Substitutes: Hermansen, Jorgensen, Vestergaard, Hogsberg, Nartey, O'Riley, Eriksen, Bruun Larsen, Norgaard, Billing, Wind, Biereth.
Your Starting XI 🏴#SCODEN pic.twitter.com/QPczfD8CaL
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) November 18, 2025
🇩🇰 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍 🇩🇰
— Fodboldlandsholdene 🇩🇰 (@dbulandshold) November 18, 2025
Holdet er sat til den afgørende kamp mod Skotland 🔥#ForDanmark pic.twitter.com/FbeqOKPuse
Closing in on team news
Tuesday 18 November 2025 18:20 , Will CastleWe’re about to bring you team news - here’s a reminder of what we know so far:
Billy Gilmour has been ruled out of the group decider after missing the trip to Greece. Steve Clarke may be tempted to start Lyndon Dykes ahead of Che Adams but Ryan Christie and Ben Gannon-Doak scored and could feature again. A midfield of Scott McTominay, John McGinn and Lewis Ferguson lacked balance at times against Greece but Gilmour’s absence may leave no choice but to go again.
Rasmus Hojlund, who has scored four goals in 10 appearances since joining McTominay in Napoli, missed Denmark’s 2-2 draw in Belarus due to illness but could return. Denmark’s squad is experienced, led by Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel as well as midfielders Christian Eriksen and Pierre-Emile Hojberg.
Who can qualify for the World Cup this week?
Tuesday 18 November 2025 18:15 , Will CastleWorld Cup qualifying is hurtling towards a conclusion with some of the final places ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico up for grabs over the coming days.
So far, 34 teams have booked their places in what has already been a historic campaign for three first-time qualifiers, with Jordan, Uzbekistan and the Cape Verde islands all through to the 48-team finals.
But who else can ensure their participation in North America? Here’s everything you need to know:
Andy Robertson: 'I don't like thinking about it'
Tuesday 18 November 2025 18:00 , Will CastleScotland skipper Andy Robertson has admitted that he has tried not to think about the magnitude of the game and how much World Cup qualification will mean to the nation.
"I don't like thinking about it, that's the honest answer,” said Robertson. “I've been very lucky to play in Champions League finals and win trophies. I've never thought about it until it's happened.
"I'm looking forward to the fact we have a one game shoot out for the World Cup, that's what I'm pleased about. If that does happen then I can tell you how I feel about it."
Denmark boss insists his team are more ‘fired up’ than Scotland for crucial World Cup qualifier
Tuesday 18 November 2025 17:45 , Will CastleDenmark manager Brian Riemer has declared his side will be even more "fired up" than Scotland and their fervent supporters ahead of Tuesday’s pivotal World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park.
When questioned about potential illness within his squad and the anticipated motivation of the home crowd and Steve Clarke’s team, Riemer was unequivocal.
"Not as fired up as us, so that’s my first answer," the 47-year-old stated.
Why Troy Parrott’s magic moment meant much more than just the World Cup play-offs to Ireland
Tuesday 18 November 2025 17:30 , Will CastleAs the Irish fans sang, and Troy Parrott’s teammates were already watching clips of his goal, the hero just let it out.
“This is the first time I’ve cried in years as well… I really can’t believe it.”
There are few who can. This is partly why Parrott was far from the only Irish person crying after his deft finish.
The 23-year-old’s comeback hat-trick that culminated in an incredible 96th-minute winner was not just a sensation of an event; of the type that has emotionally captured all of football in the way only the World Cup can.
With Scotland dreaming of their own World Cup moment, Miguel Delaney reflects on the drama surrounding the Troy Parrott drama that delivered a play-off for Ireland:
Why Troy Parrott’s magic moment meant more than the World Cup play-offs to Ireland
Steve Clarke ready to see out the gameplan
Tuesday 18 November 2025 17:15 , Will Castle"There's definitely work to do," said Steve Clarke in his pre-match press conference. "We play the pot one team.
"They'll be hurting because they've missed an opportunity to win the group already.
"Always another game. People can speculate and think that other bodies are looking after us, we have to look after ourselves.
"We always thought that when the draw was made, that if we could get it down to the final game here at Hampden, that would be an achievement because we would then have had to finish above our seeding.
"We have done that. We were drawn as a pot three team, but already in second place. We want to go one step further and finish the top of the group."
State of play
Tuesday 18 November 2025 17:00 , Will CastleSitting a point behind Group C leaders Denmark ahead of tonight’s clash, Scotland need a win to book their place in next summer’s World Cup.
That the Tartan Army head into their final qualifier with hope is largely thanks to Denmark’s failure to beat Belarus on Saturday night, which meant Steve Clarke’s side survived despite their thrilling 3-2 defeat to Greece.
The likely outcome before the international break was Scotland would need to beat Denmark at Hampden in order to qualify and the stakes remain the same despite the defeat in Greece.
Scotland are guaranteed of a play-off at the very least, as they have been since last month, but Clarke’s side could not have wished for a better opportunity as they stand 90 minutes away from a place at next summer’s tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Who has already qualified for the World Cup?
Tuesday 18 November 2025 16:45 , Will CastleHere’s a rundown of every nation to have already booked their place at next summer’s World Cup:
Europe
Qualifying places available: 16
Teams already qualified: England, France, Croatia, Portugal, Norway, Germany, Netherlands
Africa
Qualifying places available: Nine, plus one into intercontinental play-offs
Teams already qualified: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast
Asia
Qualifying places available: Eight, plus one into intercontinental play-offs
Teams qualified: Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar
Americas
Qualifying places available: Six (including three hosts USA, Canada and Mexico), plus two into intercontinental play-offs
Teams already qualified: None through qualifying (USA, Canada and Mexico automatically as co-hosts)
South America
Qualifying places available: Six, plus one into intercontinental play-offs
Teams qualified: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay
Oceania
Qualifying places available: One, plus one into intercontinental play-offs
Teams qualified: New Zealand
Predicted line-ups
Tuesday 18 November 2025 16:34 , Will CastleScotland XI: Gunn; Hickey, Hanley, Souttar, Robertson; McGinn, Ferguson, McTominay; Christie, Gannon-Doak; Dykes
Denmark XI: Schmeichel; Nissen, Christensen, Verstergaard, Dorgu; Isaksen, Hojbjerg, Norgaard, Damsgaard; Eriksen, Hojlund
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
