Scotland has ended a 28-year wait to return to football's biggest stage, securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a breathtaking 4-2 victory over Denmark at a packed Hampden Park.
Manager Steve Clarke described the achievement as the "best feeling" of his career, finally guiding the national team to their first men's World Cup since the 1998 tournament in France.
Chaos and Drama at Hampden
The final Group C qualifier delivered an emotional rollercoaster for the 62,000-strong Tartan Army. The home side took an early lead in the third minute when Scott McTominay scored with a spectacular overhead kick, sending the crowd into immediate delirium.
Denmark fought back in the second half, with Rasmus Hojlund converting a penalty to level the score. The game turned further when Danish defender Rasmus Kristensen received a red card in the 61st minute, giving Scotland a numerical advantage.
Substitute Lawrence Shankland thought he had won it for Scotland when he restored the lead in the 78th minute, but Patrick Dorgu equalised for Denmark just three minutes later, setting up a tense finale.
Incredible Finale Seals Historic Qualification
With the game seemingly headed for a draw, six minutes of added time produced pure magic. First, Kieran Tierney curled a stunning 25-yard strike into the net, before fellow substitute Kenny McLean sealed the victory with an audacious effort from the halfway line.
The remarkable late goals ensured Scotland topped their qualifying group, sending them directly to the 2026 World Cup in North America and sparking wild celebrations throughout the national stadium.
Clarke's Emotional Triumph
For manager Steve Clarke, who has already taken Scotland to two European Championships since his appointment in 2019, this achievement represents the pinnacle. "Yeah, tonight, it feels pretty special," Clarke admitted. "This is the best feeling. I've waited a long time."
The manager reflected on previous near-misses, including a failed play-off attempt against Ukraine in 2022. "I had a chance as player, but it passed me by for various reasons. We had the chance against Ukraine, that passed us by, and suddenly, you start to think it might be the last one," he confessed.
Clarke praised the incredible support from the Scottish fans, suggesting they "could smell magic" in the dramatic finale. "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," he said.
The manager now looks forward to celebrating this historic achievement, promising "a good Christmas in the Clarke household" after ending Scotland's long World Cup exile.
