Scotland vs Denmark live: Steve Clarke’s side chasing history in decisive World Cup 2026 qualifier | OneFootball

(Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

Scotland are just 90 minutes away from a first World Cup since 1998 as they play host to Denmark in a decisive winner-takes-all qualifier tonight.

Defeat to Greece on the weekend threatened to take Steve Clarke’s side all but out of contention for automatic qualification, but they were thrown a lifeline when Denmark failed to beat group minnows Belarus on the same night, drawing 2-2 in Copenhagen.

Scotland are guaranteed of a play-off at the very least, but the Tartan Army could not have wished for a better opportunity in the knowledge that victory at Hampden Park will seal a place at next summer’s tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

“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 said. "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."

CONFIRMED LINE-UPS!

Scotland XI: Gordon; Hickey, Souttar, McKenna, Robertson; Ferguson, Christie; McGinn, McTominay, Gannon-Doak; Dykes.

Substitutes: Kelly, Bain, Hanley, Tierney, Irving, Adams, Hendry, Barron, Hirst, Shankland, Ralston, McLean.

Denmark XI: Schmeichel; Kristensen, Andersen, Christensen, Dorgu; Isaksen, Hjulmand, Froholdt, Hojbjerg, Damsgaard; Hojlund.

Substitutes: Hermansen, Jorgensen, Vestergaard, Hogsberg, Nartey, O'Riley, Eriksen, Bruun Larsen, Norgaard, Billing, Wind, Biereth.

Will Castle18 November 2025 18:27

Closing in on team news

We’re about to bring you team news - here’s a reminder of what we know so far:

Billy Gilmour has been ruled out of the group decider after missing the trip to Greece. Steve Clarke may be tempted to start Lyndon Dykes ahead of Che Adams but Ryan Christie and Ben Gannon-Doak scored and could feature again. A midfield of Scott McTominay, John McGinn and Lewis Ferguson lacked balance at times against Greece but Gilmour’s absence may leave no choice but to go again.

Rasmus Hojlund, who has scored four goals in 10 appearances since joining McTominay in Napoli, missed Denmark’s 2-2 draw in Belarus due to illness but could return. Denmark’s squad is experienced, led by Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel as well as midfielders Christian Eriksen and Pierre-Emile Hojberg.

Andy Robertson: 'I don't like thinking about it'

Scotland skipper Andy Robertson has admitted that he has tried not to think about the magnitude of the game and how much World Cup qualification will mean to the nation.

"I don't like thinking about it, that's the honest answer,” said Robertson. “I've been very lucky to play in Champions League finals and win trophies. I've never thought about it until it's happened.

"I'm looking forward to the fact we have a one game shoot out for the World Cup, that's what I'm pleased about. If that does happen then I can tell you how I feel about it."

(AFP via Getty Images)

Will Castle18 November 2025 18:00

Why Troy Parrott’s magic moment meant much more than just the World Cup play-offs to Ireland

As the Irish fans sang, and Troy Parrott’s teammates were already watching clips of his goal, the hero just let it out.

“This is the first time I’ve cried in years as well… I really can’t believe it.”

There are few who can. This is partly why Parrott was far from the only Irish person crying after his deft finish.

The 23-year-old’s comeback hat-trick that culminated in an incredible 96th-minute winner was not just a sensation of an event; of the type that has emotionally captured all of football in the way only the World Cup can.

With Scotland dreaming of their own World Cup moment, Miguel Delaney reflects on the drama surrounding the Troy Parrott drama that delivered a play-off for Ireland:

Why Troy Parrott’s magic moment meant more than the World Cup play-offs to Ireland

The plight of Heimer Hallgrimsson’s team after four games meant none of this should have possible for a country which lacks the talent pool of yesteryear

Will Castle18 November 2025 17:30

Steve Clarke ready to see out the gameplan

"There's definitely work to do," said Steve Clarke in his pre-match press conference. "We play the pot one team.

"They'll be hurting because they've missed an opportunity to win the group already.

"Always another game. People can speculate and think that other bodies are looking after us, we have to look after ourselves.

"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.

"We have done that. We were drawn as a pot three team, but already in second place. We want to go one step further and finish the top of the group."

(PA)

Will Castle18 November 2025 17:15