Scotland is going to the World Cup!
Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean emerged as the unlikely heroes in stoppage time, guiding the Scots to a thrilling 4-2 victory over Denmark, thus securing their automatic qualification for football’s grandest stage.
After participating in back-to-back European Championships, head coach Steve Clarke has now steered his nation to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, reigniting the fervor of the Tartan Army.
From the outset, Scotland knew they needed a win. Scott McTominay set the tone with a breathtaking bicycle kick just three minutes into the match. Denmark, needing only a draw to finish atop the group, equalized through Rasmus Hojlund after a lengthy VAR review of a foul by Andy Robertson on Gustav Isaksen.
Things intensified when Denmark’s Rasmus Kristensen was sent off for a second yellow card. Following this, substitute Lawrence Shankland restored Scotland’s lead, only for Patrick Dorgu to equalize just moments later.
The nation held its breath, and as hopes surged, Tierney unleashed a brilliant shot from outside the box to give Scotland a 3-2 lead just two minutes into stoppage time.
Then, as the clock raced past the six minutes of added time, an audacious lob from McLean, aimed at Denmark’s goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, found its target after the keeper ventured too far from his line. The ball sailed over him and into the empty net, sealing an exhilarating 4-2 victory that sent Hampden Park into a frenzy.
Scotland is back on the world stage!
A Dream Realized
Sky Sports’ Alison Conroy was in attendance at Hampden Park:
Steve Clarke openly expressed his ambition to lead Scotland to a World Cup, a dream that had eluded him as a player. On the touchline, he remained a pillar of calm as McTominay’s stunning strike sent the Tartan Army into raptures.
Glorious failure often seems to follow Scotland, yet this campaign has been marked by resilience, determination, and a touch of fortune. While their unbeaten streak came to an end in Greece, a draw in Copenhagen from Belarus kept their dream alive.
This journey has been six and a half years in the making, and the squad deserves every bit of admiration they are receiving.
For many, this marks a third major tournament, but qualifying for the World Cup elevates this experience to a uniquely significant level.
Forget the Champions League titles and domestic trophies; this is a different realm altogether.
Clarke Applauds Scotland’s Efforts
Following the match, Clarke expressed his astonishment at the quality of the goals scored, which cemented Scotland’s path to next summer’s World Cup. McTominay’s sensational overhead kick early on set the tone, while Tierney’s stunning long-range strike knocked Denmark on their heels as they entered stoppage time at 3-2. McLean capped off the exhilarating performance with a lob from halfway, sealing Scotland’s unforgettable triumph.
“Scott McTominay scored the best overhead kick I’ve ever seen, and it might not even have been the best goal of the night!” Clarke shared with the BBC. “The emotions were a whirlwind. At times, you find yourself searching for answers and contemplating how to adapt. I knew we’d have to go with two strikers eventually.”
“The Danes appeared to be with the upper hand for portions of the match; making those changes felt appropriate, regardless of whether they had 10 or 11 players on the pitch.” Clarke added, “Before the first match, I spoke with Kieran and expressed how pivotal he is to our team. I had confidence in him, particularly when he stepped up to take that fateful shot.”
“In the moment, seeing the ball roll back to him on his left foot gave me confidence he would score. When Kenny struck, I thought to myself, ‘What on earth is he doing?!’ But as the ball soared, I realized it was destined for the net!”
Scotland’s Stunning Goals: A Visual Celebration
A Tribute from Robertson
Scotland’s captain, Andy Robertson, became emotional before the victory, as he devoted thoughts to his former Liverpool teammate, Diogo Jota. “I’ve been in bits today,” he admitted, reflecting on the potential of this being his last shot at the World Cup.
“All day, Diogo occupied my mind. We had countless conversations about what it would be like to be at the World Cup.”
“I managed to keep it hidden from the boys until earlier in my room. I just know that he will be proud, watching from wherever he is. I felt his presence strongly today.”
Reflecting on the incredible fightback that characterized their qualification, Robertson said, “That embodies this squad’s spirit—never surrender, we push through until the final whistle. This was one of the wildest matches I have ever played in. The emotional rollercoaster we’ve taken the nation on was worth every moment—we’re bound for the World Cup, and I still can’t believe it!”
“This group of players and staff is unparalleled in my experience. The manager’s rallying speech before we took to the field was stirring. He invoked the memories of our significant moments together and urged us to strive for yet another. To achieve this for him, the coaching staff, and all our families is one of the highlight nights of my life.”
The draw for the 2026 World Cup will take place on December 5 in Washington, D.C. President Trump will join FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the John F. Kennedy Center to determine the group stage fixtures. Trump’s announcement, made at the White House in August, hailed the World Cup as “the biggest event in sports,” while Infantino compared the upcoming 104 matches to “104 Super Bowls.”
The draw is scheduled for noon local time (5 PM in the UK), with the tournament itself set to unfold from June 11 to July 19, 2026, marking the 23rd edition of this iconic competition.
