Hampden Park in Glasgow will be buzzing on Tuesday night as Scotland prepares to face Denmark in a decisive qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with a coveted spot in the tournament on the line.
Both teams have already secured a place in the World Cup playoffs, but automatic qualification remains within reach. Only days ago, they battled to a tense 0-0 draw in Copenhagen, setting the scene for a thrilling final encounter.
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For Steve Clarke’s Scotland, the formula is straightforward: a victory on Tuesday guarantees their place in the 2026 World Cup, marking their first appearance in the tournament since 1998. At the outset of the qualifying campaign, most fans would have seized such a scenario with enthusiasm. Yet, a sense of what could have been lingers; a recent 3-2 loss to a struggling Greece has cast a shadow, although Denmark’s unexpected home draw with Belarus offers a glimmer of hope.
Denmark, conversely, possesses a bit more leeway. A draw will suffice to see them through, and they might employ a strategy of absorbing Scotland’s pressure before counterattacking. However, this cautious approach comes with its own risks; the Danish squad has been beset by a sickness bug, adding further strain ahead of the match.
For live updates and highlights throughout the Scotland vs. Denmark clash, be sure to follow PST’s live blog coverage.
How to watch Scotland vs. Denmark live, stream link and start time
Kick-off time: 2:45 PM ET, Tuesday (November 18)
Venue: Hampden Park — Glasgow, Scotland
TV Channel/Streaming: FUBO
Scotland team news, focus
Clarke faces intriguing tactical decisions as he seeks to strike the right balance between solidity at the back and attacking flair. Scotland will need to improve their defensive performance significantly, especially after their shaky display against Greece, to prevent Denmark from exploiting early openings. Scott McTominay presents a potent threat from midfield, while John McGinn continues to impress on the left, not to mention the ever-reliable captain Andy Robertson. The pressing question remains up front, as Che Adams struggled with form against Greece, while Lyndon Dykes and Lawrence Shankland are both eager for a starting role. Might Clarke consider a two-striker formation?
Denmark team news, focus
The health of Denmark’s squad will be crucial, especially with a sickness bug laying low some players. Yet, their experience in high-stakes matches cannot be understated. The midfield pairing of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Christian Norgaard is formidable, while attackers Christian Eriksen and Mikkel Damsgaard are instrumental in creating goal-scoring opportunities. Rasmus Hojlund, despite his battle with illness, is set to play, while he and Jonas Wind carry the weight of expectation to secure Denmark’s World Cup fate.
Scotland vs. Denmark prediction
This encounter promises to be a night of high drama; Scotland must embrace the chaos and seize their moment. With Denmark’s solid defense posing a challenge, Scotland will nevertheless find a way to celebrate their long-awaited return to the World Cup. Scotland 2-1 Denmark.
