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How to tune into Sport NationThree stunners sink Denmark, send Scots to World Cup
AP • November 19th, 2025 11:34 am
A trio of spectacular goals in Glasgow has surged Scotland past Denmark and to the 2026 World Cup | Photo: AP
European qualifying for the 2026 World Cup has finished with Scotland, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria securing the region's remaining automatic spots.
Stunning goals by substitutes Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean in added time gave Scotland a momentous 4-2 win over Denmark to book the Scots their place at the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998.
Scott McTominay opened proceedings in the third minute with a glorious overhead kick from 12 yards but Rasmus Hojlund equalised from the spot in the 57th to quieten the Tartan Army.
His teammate Rasmus Kristensen was sent off 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 only for Patrick Dorgu to level three minutes later.
However, in the 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.
Scotland captain Andy Robertson told BBC Scotland: "That just sums up this squad. Never say die. We just keep going right to the end and one of the craziest games.
"We put the country through it, but I'm sure it's worth it. We're going to the World Cup.
"I've hid it well, but today I've been in bits. I know the age I'm at, this could be my last chance to go to the World Cup.
"I couldn't get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head today. We spoke so much about going to the World Cup. I know he'll be smiling over me today. I'm so glad it's ended up this way.
"This group of boys, this group of staff - it's the best group I've been involved in.
"The manager's speech before the game was unbelievable. He went through the big moments we've had. Qualifying for the Euros - he couldn't quite remember - we were in Wunderbar. He said 'let's make it another one'.
"We were quite emotional. To do it for him, the staff and all our families, it'll go down as one of the greatest nights of my life."
Spain were held to a 2-2 home draw at Turkey but guaranteed first place in Group E and equalled Italy's 31-match unbeaten streak in competitive matches. Italy's record came between 2018 and 2021.
A 1-1 home draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina was enough for Austria in Group H, while Belgium routed Liechtenstein 7-0. Switzerland qualified after a 1-1 draw at Kosovo.
The 12 group winners qualified directly, while the runners-up will participate in playoffs along with the four best-ranked group winners of the 2024-25 Nations League that did not finish first or second in their groups.
The playoffs will be played on March 26 and March 31.
The World Cup will be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
