Scotland players celebrate on the pitch after the FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualification football match between Scotland and Denmark at Hampden Park in Glasgow, 2025. Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP
Scotland reached the FIFA World Cup finals for the first time since 1998 in thrilling fashion as stoppage time goals by Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean secured a nerve-shredding 4-2 victory over Denmark at a rocking Hampden Park.
When Patrick Dorgu brought 10-man Denmark level for the second time in the 81st minute it seemed the visitors would secure the point they needed to top Group C and book a place at next year's tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico.
But Tierney struck a superb shot past Kasper Schmeichel in third minute of stoppage time and then, with the goalkeeper up in attack at the other end of the pitch, McLean launched a long-range effort into an empty goal to spark delirious scenes.
Scott McTominay gave Scotland the lead with an overhead kick in the third minute. But Rasmus Hojlund equalised with a penalty in the 57th shortly before the visitors had Rasmus Kristensen sent off. Lawrence Shankland then put the Scots back in front.
European champions Spain secured their place in the finals after a nervy 2-2 draw with Turkey in Seville.
Belgium hammered Liechtenstein 7-0 to confirm their berth, finishing their campaign unbeaten. Wales finished second in the group.
Austria qualified after snatching a 77th minute equaliser against visitors Bosnia and Herzegovina to earn a 1-1 draw and top their group.
Switzerland qualified despite being held 1-1 by Kosovo, with the Swiss topping their group and Kosovo finishing second.
12 teams have so far qualified out of Europe - Croatia, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, Austria and Scotland.
16 other teams now contest the play-offs for the remaining four spots out of Europe.
- Reuters with additional reporting from RNZ.
