Scotland has secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Denmark at Hampden Park on Tuesday evening. The triumph ends a 28-year absence from football's biggest tournament and sparked nationwide celebrations across the country.
Two spectacular stoppage-time goals sealed the match. Kieran Tierney struck from 25 yards before Kenny McLean scored from the halfway line to confirm Scotland's place at the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer.
Scott McTominay had opened the scoring with an overhead kick after just three minutes. Denmark equalized twice during the match, but Scotland's late surge secured their spot at the top of the group.
National celebration
First Minister John Swinney described the widespread joy following the qualification. Speaking at the Institute for Government in London on Wednesday, he said: "Scotland is utterly rejoicing today at what was a magnificent spectacle of goal scoring last night."
Swinney, who attended the match, said even at 5:30am at Edinburgh's Waverley Station, people wanted to discuss their excitement about the victory.
The Prime Minister congratulated the team during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, saying: "Let me start by congratulating Scotland on their magnificent victory last night. Qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1998."
Leader of the Opposition Sir Keir Starmer also praised the team, saying: "They qualified with fantastic goals, including a cracker from former Arsenal player Kieran Tierney, who was always a great favourite with the fans."
Political response across spectrum
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes expressed the Scottish Government's pride in the team. She told BBC Radio Scotland on Wednesday: "It is an absolutely momentous win, tremendous moment for our country, and I know everybody is pinching themselves this morning, asking if it was all real."
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar posted on social media: "Congratulations Scotland! We are going to the World Cup!" Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay wrote: "Never in doubt Scotland."
Members raised an urgent question in Holyrood on Wednesday about the win, where Health Secretary Neil Gray said he expects the First Minister to invite the squad to Bute House for a reception.
Manager praises supporters
Scotland manager Steve Clarke credited the Tartan Army's unwavering support during the tense match. He said: "The crowd were fantastic. I asked them before the game, but they don't always listen to me. But this time they listened and they were great."
Clarke praised how the supporters remained engaged even when Denmark equalized twice. "When it goes 2-2, I heard them again and that was really important, right in the last part of the game the crowd was still with us," he said. "Everybody was in the stadium, nobody left because they could smell magic."
Fan reaction
Tennis star Sir Andy Murray shared his elation on social media: "Yessssssssssssssssssss! Never in doubt Scotland. North America here we come."
The Tartan Army Group posted on X: "We're going to the World Cup" and "No Scotland, no party!"
One fan wrote on social media: "One of the greatest nights in Scottish football. A game bookended with two of the most spectacular goals ever scored by Scotland players. Happy days!!!"
Historic achievement
Scotland's qualification marks their first appearance at a men's World Cup since 1998. The team previously made five consecutive appearances from 1974 to 1990.
Clarke becomes the first Scotland manager to take the country to three major finals. Lawrence Shankland also scored during the match, restoring Scotland's lead in the 78th minute before Denmark equalized again ahead of the late drama.
Rasmus Kristensen's red card reduced Denmark to 10 men during the match.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
