Scotland’s men’s national team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998, securing their ninth appearance in the tournament. The historic qualification came after a thrilling 4-2 victory over Denmark in the final match of the qualifying stage, ending a 28-year wait for the Scots.

Denmark, needing only a draw for automatic qualification, will now have to fight for a spot through the playoffs, competing against teams such as Italy, Turkey, and Wales for a place at the 2026 finals.

The Scots led twice during regulation time, twice saw that lead pegged back, and then scored two spectacular goals in injury time including one from their own half to seal their return to the World Cup finals in United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Scotland will join the 5 December draw for the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Their qualification followed a hard-fought campaign, overcoming Greece, Belarus, and Denmark. Other nations already confirmed for the 2026 finals include Spain, Belgium, Ghana, Norway, Haiti, Austria, and Panama, bringing the total to 42 countries qualified so far with 6 spot left.