Scotland ended a 28-year wait to reach the FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 4-2 win over Denmark, scoring twice deep into stoppage time on the final day of qualifying.
On Tuesday, the hosts made a dream start at Hampden Park, breaking the deadlock inside three minutes with a spectacular overhead kick from Scott McTominay.
Denmark, however, stayed composed, controlling possession and creating a series of chances. They were rewarded in the second half when Rasmus Hojlund converted a penalty after a VAR-confirmed foul in the area.
Scotland gained a foothold when Danish defender Rasmus Kristensen was shown a second yellow card in the 61st minute. Substitute Lawrence Shankland restored the lead with a close-range finish, only for Patrick Dorgu to level minutes later with an assured side-footed strike at the end of a composed passing move.
With tension rising and fatigue setting in, Scotland launched a decisive late surge. Kieran Tierney ignited the stadium by curling a left-footed effort from distance beyond goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. In the final seconds, as Denmark pushed forward in desperation, Kenny McLean punished their high line by beating Schmeichel from the halfway line to seal the win.
The result sends Scotland to the global showpiece for the first time since 1998, while Denmark heads into the playoffs.
In other matches, Switzerland clinched World Cup qualification with a 1-1 draw in Kosovo, as Ruben Vargas scored before Florent Muslija’s goal earned the hosts a playoff berth.
Spain sealed its 17th finals appearance after a tense 2-2 draw against Turkiye, with Mikel Oyarzabal rescuing a late point.
Austria booked its first World Cup spot in 28 years thanks to Michael Gregoritsch’s equalizer in a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Belgium overwhelmed Liechtenstein 7-0, while Wales secured second place in its group as Harry Wilson hit a hat-trick in a 7-1 victory over North Macedonia.
Bulgaria notched a 2-1 win over Georgia, and Sweden drew 1-1 with Slovenia thanks to debutant Gustav Lundgren’s late volley.
Romania overpowered San Marino 7-1, and Belarus rounded off its qualifying campaign with a gritty 0-0 draw against Greece.
