“We’ve got another very, very good thing that we can achieve together.” With those understated words, Steve Clarke remains steadfast amidst the palpable excitement and tension surrounding Scotland’s chance to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
The equation is clear ahead of the clash with Denmark on Tuesday: a victory secures a coveted spot in next summer’s tournament. A loss, however, would lead to a backup plan—a playoff in March.
Clarke, whose contract concludes at the end of this campaign, has already steered the national team to consecutive European Championships and is eager to take the next step. “I’d like to go to the World Cup with my country,” he declared, while confirming that midfielder Billy Gilmour will miss the match due to an injury.
“If you assess our journey over the past six and a half years, many of these players are already, in your words, ‘legends’,” he said, reflecting on their achievements.
“But they’re ranked incredibly high in what we’ve accomplished as a nation,” he continued. “When I took this role six and a half years ago, many warned against it, calling it a poison chalice. Yet, I saw potential in this group of players and looked forward to working with them. Together, we have reached remarkable heights, and now we have another significant milestone within our grasp.”
Scotland’s unbeaten run in Group C faced a setback on Saturday with a 3-2 loss in Greece, but Denmark’s 2-2 draw against Belarus has led to a decisive encounter at Hampden Park.
“I expect the Danish players to be motivated because they also have a chance to win the group,” Clarke noted, recalling their earlier encounter that ended in a stalemate in Copenhagen. “They’ll arrive here eager to rebound from their earlier slip-up. We must ensure that it becomes a challenging night for them, while it turns into a triumphant one for us.”
Clarke: ‘I believe they’re good enough’
More than half of Clarke’s squad were not yet born the last time Scotland graced the World Cup stage, with only 42-year-old goalkeeper Craig Gordon having memories of France 1998. “If they’re not feeling nervous or excited about what’s at stake, they probably wouldn’t be at this level,” Clarke remarked. “They are aware of the game’s significance but must focus on their performance.”
“If they play to their potential, I believe they’re more than capable of securing the result we need,” he affirmed. “There might come a point in the game where you have to take risks to chase victory, yet you must also be cautious not to concede.”
“If the stakes shift towards a draw, you’ll find yourself managing that tension towards the game’s end. We know our objectives, and I hope we can execute our plan.”
‘We need the crowd’
Hampden Park will be brimming with fans, and the head coach is calling on the Tartan Army to rally behind the team. Past matches have seen mixed reactions from the crowd: disappointment at half-time during the Greece match, and muted applause following a narrow win against Belarus.
“We need the crowd. It’s vital they are with us,” the 62-year-old urged. “Support from the stands is crucial, notably in the tougher stretches of the match.” He added, “If we unite, we can turn it into a memorable evening for the country.”
Danish boss says Scots ‘not as fired up as us’
Denmark’s coach Brian Riemer is confident his team will enter Tuesday’s decisive qualifier brimming with intensity, declaring, “We will be more fired up than Scotland and the Tartan Army.” He addressed concerns regarding illnesses in his squad, including attacker Anders Dreyer, who has been ruled out, and Rasmus Hojlund, who remains a doubt after missing the Belarus game.
“I won’t pretend these minor setbacks concerning illness haven’t been challenging,” Riemer admitted. “Every manager wishes for a camp free of issues, but each gathering has its challenges, from players searching for clubs to dealing with illnesses.” He remains optimistic about his squad, stating, “We have a fantastic group who’s incredibly supportive of one another.”
How do play-offs work?
The playoff system involves the 12 group runners-up, alongside the four highest-ranked group winners of the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League who did not finish their qualifying groups in first or second place. These 16 teams will be divided into four playoff paths, culminating in single-leg semi-finals and finals during the international window from March 26 to 31 next year.
How many European teams will qualify?
A total of 16 UEFA nations will secure spots for the 2026 World Cup. The top 12 group winners will qualify directly, while the remaining four slots will be contested via playoffs involving the 12 group runners-up.
World Cup 2026 European qualifiers schedule
- Final group-stage match dates: November 13-18, 2025
- Play-off match dates: March 26-31, 2026
- Final tournament dates: June 11 to July 19, 2026
When and where is the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup is set to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This historic event marks the first time the tournament has been jointly hosted by three nations. The last time North America welcomed the tournament was in 1994, when Brazil triumphed over Italy in a penalty shootout.
The upcoming World Cup will feature an expanded format with 48 teams—a significant increase from the 32 in Qatar 2022—ensuring a broader representation from around the globe.
World Cup 2026 schedule
Group stage: June 11-27 Round of 32: June 28 to July 3 Round of 16: July 4-7 Quarter-finals: July 9-11 Semi-finals: July 14-15 Third-place play-off: July 18 Final: July 19
