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Scotland secured their place at the 2026 World Cup with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Denmark at Hampden Park on Tuesday evening. The win ends a 28-year absence from the tournament. Two stoppage-time goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean sealed qualification in stunning fashion.
Scott McTominay opened the scoring in the third minute with a spectacular overhead kick from 12 yards. Denmark equalised from a penalty before substitute Lawrence Shankland restored Scotland's lead in the 78th minute. Patrick Dorgu levelled again for Denmark in the 82nd minute, setting up a tense finale.
The match exploded into life during six minutes of added time. Tierney curled a left-footed strike from 25 yards past goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel in the 93rd minute. McLean then stunned Hampden with an audacious lob from the halfway line in the 99th minute to make it 4-2.
Trump family congratulates Scotland
Eric Trump, executive vice-president of the Trump Organisation, congratulated Scotland on their qualification. "Congratulations to Scotland and we are delighted to see the team qualify," he said. "We look forward to welcoming the fans to America next summer."
The Trump Organisation owns two golf resorts in Scotland. Eric Trump and his father, US President Donald Trump, visited the country this summer. The United States, Canada and Mexico will host the 2026 World Cup.
Celebrations and reactions
Former Britain's Got Talent star Susan Boyle attended the match and described the atmosphere as extraordinary. "I mean, you were just carried along with the atmosphere, it was really electric, and it was very historical," she told STV on Tuesday evening. "Scotland hadn't done it for a while, so this is the chance."
Boyle suggested divine intervention played a role in the victory. "I think there was some divine intervention there as well," she said. "All the best to the lads. They'll go on and on to do greater things. You've made us all proud."
First Minister John Swinney said on Wednesday that Scotland is "utterly rejoicing" after the team secured qualification. Fans in Glasgow erupted into celebration following the final whistle.
Denmark must face playoffs
Denmark's defeat means they will enter playoff matches in March to attempt World Cup qualification. As the group's top seed, Denmark entered as favourites but their performance drew criticism from Danish media.
The referee sent off Rasmus Kristensen for a second yellow card during the match, leaving Denmark with ten men. Danish outlet Bold described the defeat as a "huge disappointment and failure."
Scotland's qualification marks their first appearance at a World Cup since France 1998. Manager Steve Clarke led the team to automatic qualification by topping Group C.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
