Dramatic, Scotland Returns to the World Cup for the First Time Since 1998

GLASGOW, WEDNESDAY — Scotland optimally capitalized on the advantage of playing the final match of Group C in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against their main competitor, Denmark, at Hampden Park Stadium, Glasgow, Wednesday (19/11/2025 WIB). Scotland secured a 4-2 victory, thereby ensuring a place in the 2026 World Cup.

Scotland has finally managed to end a long wait to compete on the grandest stage of football, which has lasted for 27 years. Goals from two substitute players, namely Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean, during the additional time of the second half secured three points for Scotland.

Tierney scored with a precise left-footed shot in the 90+3 minute. Then, McLean took advantage of the position of veteran Danish goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel, who was too far forward, to produce a beautiful goal from midfield in the 90+8 minute.

The two goals in the closing moments of the match were a result of the spirited performance of Steve Clarke's team since the kickoff. They skillfully capitalized on the consistent support for over 90 minutes from more than 45,000 "The Tartan Army," the name given to the Scottish supporters, who filled the stands of Hampden Park.

In fact, Denmark applied intense pressure from the kickoff. The visiting team collected 70 percent possession and made 18 shots. Scotland only produced 10 shots.

A strike from Napoli midfielder, Scott McTominay, created a roar at the beginning of the match, precisely in the third minute. This lead lasted throughout the first half of the game.

The flow of the match changed after halftime. It began with a perfect penalty execution by another Napoli player, Rasmus Hojlund, in the 57th minute. The "Danish Dynamite" team played with 10 men from the 61st minute due to a second yellow card received by right wing-back Rasmus Kristensen.

Lawrence Shankland brought Scotland back into the lead in the 78th minute. He took advantage of a corner kick executed by Lewis Ferguson. However, three minutes later, Danish winger Patrick Dorgu equalized the score.

Andy Robertson, the left-back and captain of Scotland, stated that the struggle in the last match against Denmark demonstrated the quality of the Scottish squad. All players, he said, never gave up until the final moments of the match.

"We continue to strive until the end. (This is) one of the craziest games. We are bringing the nation forward, I believe we deserve it. We are heading to the World Cup," said Robertson to BBC Scotland.

Robertson revealed that the 2026 World Cup is his last opportunity to play on the world stage, and he is very proud to have reached this level. Specifically, he dedicates this achievement to his friend, the late Diogo Jota. Additionally, Robertson expressed his gratitude to the coach, Steve Clarke.

"After playing at the European Championship (2024), he said, 'Let's make it another historic achievement.' We were so emotional. We did it for him (Clarke), the coaching staff, and our whole family. It will always be one of the best nights of my life," said Robertson, who has won his 90th cap for Scotland.

With the result of the last game, Scotland has usurped the top position from Denmark, which had dominated the Group C standings since the first game. Scotland concluded the competition with 13 goals from six matches. This achievement secures a ticket to North America next year.

Closing the qualification chapter in the first position marks the fifth achievement for Scotland. This accomplishment was previously achieved by Scotland to qualify for Sweden 1958, Germany 1974, Argentina 1978, and Spain 1982.

Scottish midfielder John McGinn expressed disappointment after failing to block Dorgu's shot in front of his team's goal. He mentioned that the shadow of the failure to qualify for the World Cup briefly crossed his mind until Tierney scored the third goal.

"An extraordinary coach's instruction, it is an honor to meet and work with him. He is a humble figure who always wants to do the best for his country, allowing us to give our all on the field," said McGinn.

Meanwhile, Denmark must go through the playoffs to continue its tradition of always qualifying for the main round of the World Cup since Russia 2018. In the playoffs to be held in March 2026, Denmark is one of the 16 remaining teams that will compete for the last four European spots for the 2026 World Cup.

Denmark, along with Italy, Turkey, and Ukraine, are in the first pot of the playoff draw, which will take place tomorrow, Thursday (November 20, 2025). The Dynamite squad will face one of the four teams in pot four, which includes Romania, Sweden, North Macedonia, and Northern Ireland.

Joachim Andersen, the central defender of Denmark, expressed that disappointment envelops his team. Two winless results in the past week have extinguished their direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup. Previously, Denmark was held to a 2-2 draw by Belarus at home.

"I'm just disappointed. I felt we played well and created some good chances. It was a stupid mistake that led to the 3-2 scoreline. That shouldn't have happened," Andersen said, as reported by Danish football outlet Tipsbladet.

In addition to Scotland, the last four European representatives that qualified for the 2026 World Cup are Switzerland (Group B), Spain (Group E), Austria (Group H), and Belgium (Group J). Another dramatic match took place at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna, where Austria managed to hold Bosnia and Herzegovina to a 1-1 draw to maintain their top position.

Bosnia took the lead first through Haris Tabakovic in the 12th minute. If Bosnia wins, they will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup. However, Austria's substitute player, Michael Gregoritsch, equalized the score in the 77th minute.

One point from the final game of Group H helped Austria secure the top position with 19 points. They are two points ahead of Bosnia.

Meanwhile, Spain failed to follow in the footsteps of Norway and England, who performed perfectly in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. "La Roja" was held to a 2-2 draw by Turkey. This also marked the first and only game in which Spain conceded a goal during the qualifying round. (AP/AFP)

1.     England (17th participation)

2.     France (17)

3.     Croatia (7)

4.     Portugal (9)

5.     Norway (4)

6.     Germany (21)

7.     Netherlands (12)

8.     Belgium (15)

9.     Spain (17)

10. Switzerland (13)

11. Austria (8)

12. Scotland (9)

1.     Italy

2.     Denmark

3.     Türkiye

4.     Ukraine

1.     Poland

2. Wales

3.     Czech Republic

4.     Slovakia

1.     Ireland

2.     Albania

3.     Bosnia and Herzegovina

4.     Kosovo

1.     Romania

2.     Sweden

3.     North Macedonia

4.     Northern Ireland