The Football Faithful
·18 November 2025
Scotland vs Denmark – Match preview and team news

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Yahoo sportsThe Football Faithful
·18 November 2025

Both sides are chasing automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they meet at Hampden Park on Tuesday evening. Scotland need victory, while Denmark require only a draw to secure top spot in Group C and a direct berth to next summer’s tournament in North America.
After an extraordinary evening of international football that saw Scotland emerge from a 3-2 defeat in Greece with their hopes still intact, as Belarus stunned Denmark with a dramatic 2-2 draw in Copenhagen, the stage is set for a decisive showdown between the group leaders and challengers.
On the injury front, Billy Gimour, Lennon Miller, and Ross Mccrorie are all sidelined but Scotland still survives after their 3-2 loss to Greece looked destined to end their automatic qualification hopes as Denmark drew with Belarus.
Goals from Ben Gannon-Doak and Ryan Christie pulled the Scots back from three goals down as the young talents have provided optimism heading into Tuesday’s clash. Gannon-Doak, the 20-year-old Bournemouth winger, netted his first Scotland goal in the 65th minute, whilst Christie added a crucial second five minutes later with a well-placed header from Andy Robertson’s cross.
Craig Gordon, the veteran goalkeeper, continues to defy age at 42 years old and has become a vital figure for Steve Clarke’s side. Gordon’s experience and crucial saves in Greece have been instrumental, particularly after replacing the injured Angus Gunn.
Andy Robertson has called for the Hampden crowd to provide backing from the first whistle, stating the team needs positive atmosphere throughout the fixture rather than fear of failure. Key midfielder Scott McTominay will be central to Scotland’s approach, with the player known for crucial international goals. 11 of his 12 strikes have come in his last 24 appearances.
Denmark’s defensive mainstay Joachim Andersen was among those who missed the Belarus clash due to illness, and his status remains uncertain. Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, now plying his trade at Celtic, will provide experience between the sticks for the Danes. Rasmus Hojlind also missed the Belarus clash due to illness but is expected to feature.
Despite the setbacks, Denmark’s attacking prowess remains a significant threat. Christian Eriksen continues to be a creative force for the Danes and will be crucial in orchestrating play. Gustav Isaksen has impressed in recent outings with his pace and direct running, while Mikkel Damsgaard provides midfield creativity and scoring threat.
Steve Clarke’s side has shown resilience in recent fixtures despite their setback in Greece. Scotland won 3-1 against Greece at Hampden in October before securing a 2-1 victory over Belarus at home, with Che Adams and Scott McTominay providing the goals.
The loss to Greece was their first defeat of the campaign, yet they managed to keep the pressure on Denmark throughout the qualifying group. Scotland have shown fighting spirit, scoring nine goals in their World Cup qualifying campaign to date, with Adams and Christie each contributing twice.
Denmark remain unbeaten in their opening five Group C matches that includes Saturday’s shock 2-2 draw with Belarus in Copenhagen. The Danes have been in excellent form throughout 2025, suffering just one defeat across nine matches played this year—a loss to Portugal—demonstrating consistent quality under Brian Riemer’s guidance.
Denmark have only won two of their last eleven away matches, however, suggesting vulnerabilities on the road that Scotland may look to exploit with home advantage. Prior to the Belarus disappointment, Denmark had collected three consecutive wins in their qualifying fixtures.
Scotland: Gordon; Ralston, Souttar, McKenna, Robertson; McGinn, Ferguson, McTominay; Gannon-Doak, Christie; Adams
Denmark: Schmeichel; Kristensen, Andersen, Christensen, Dorgu; Hojbjerg, Hjulmand; Isaksen, Eriksen, Damsgaard; Hojlund
UK fans can watch the match on BBC Scotland and BBC Two, with live streaming available on the BBC iPlayer.
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