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New Delhi: Scotland advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998 after defeating Denmark 4-2 in a thrilling match at Hampden Park on Tuesday. Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean scored goals in stoppage time to help Scotland book a spot in the tournament, which is scheduled to begin on June 29, 2026, in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Scott McTominay scored the opening goal of the match in the third minute with an overhead kick. Rasmus Højlund equalised for the visitors from the penalty spot in the 57th minute, shortly before Rasmus Kristensen was sent off. Lawrence Shankland then restored Scotland’s lead with their second goal in the 78th minute.
Patrick Dorgu brought 10-man Denmark level for the second time in the 81st minute, and it seemed the visitors would get the point they needed to top Group C and seal a spot at next year's World Cup.
But Tierney struck a brilliant shot past Kasper Schmeichel in the third minute of stoppage time and then, with the goalkeeper up in attack at the other end of the pitch, McLean launched a long-range effort into an empty goal in the last minute to help Scotland qualify.
Spain qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a nervy 2-2 draw against Turkey in Seville on Tuesday. The hosts managed to finish unbeaten at the top of Group E despite being given a scare by the visitors.
The European champions took an early lead as Dani Olmo netted the opening goal in the fourth minute. But the visitors managed to equalise through Deniz Gul's goal in the 42nd minute. They needed an almost impossible seven-goal victory to claim the top spot in Group E and qualify.
Salih Ozcan netted from the edge of the box as Turkey stunned the home crowd by taking the lead just after the half-time in the 54th minute. However, Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal scored the equaliser eight minutes later to avoid their first home defeat in a qualifier. With the 2-2 draw, Turkey had to settle for a spot in the playoffs for next year's World Cup in North America.
