Scotland's quest to reach their first World Cup since 1998 culminates tonight as they face Denmark in a decisive World Cup 2026 qualifying match at Hampden Park. The stakes are high: a win guarantees Scotland a place at next summer's tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, while a draw would send them to the play-offs.
Scotland currently sits in second place in Group C with 10 points, while Denmark leads the group with 11 points. Denmark only needs a draw to secure their qualification. However, Scotland has the advantage of playing at home and the backing of the Tartan Army.
Scotland's recent form has been somewhat inconsistent. Their previously unbeaten run in Group C ended with a 3-2 defeat to Greece on Saturday. On the other hand, Denmark also had an unexpected setback, drawing 2-2 with Belarus. The previous encounter between Scotland and Denmark in this qualifying campaign ended in a goalless draw in Copenhagen.
Speaking ahead of the match, Scotland manager Steve Clarke acknowledged the significance of the game. "We always thought that when the draw was made, that if we could get it down to the final game here at Hampden, that would be an achievement because we would then have had to finish above our seeding," Clarke stated. "We have done that. We were drawn as a pot three team, but we are already in second place. We want to go one step further and finish top of the group". He has urged the Scotland fans to get behind the team for one last push. Clarke, who is out of contract at the end of this campaign, has already led the national side to back-to-back European Championships and is hoping to go one better this time.
Denmark's manager, Brian Riemer, has been in charge since October 2024. He insists that his team are more 'fired up' than Scotland for crucial World Cup qualifier.
Sixteen UEFA nations will qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The 12 group winners qualify directly for the World Cup; the four remaining berths are determined by play-offs involving the 12 group runners-up.
The match kicks off at 2:45 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
