Scotland hosts Denmark at Hampden Park on Tuesday in a winner-takes-all World Cup qualifier, with kickoff at 7:45 PM GMT. The Scots must win to secure automatic qualification for their first World Cup since 1998, while Denmark needs only a draw to top Group C and avoid the March playoffs.
Scotland vs Denmark: Hampden Hosts World Cup Decider
The stakes could not be clearer after Saturday’s dramatic results. Scotland’s 3-2 loss to Greece combined with Denmark’s surprising 2-2 draw against Belarus to create this final-day showdown. Denmark sits first with 12 points, Scotland second with 10. The group winner qualifies automatically for the 2026 World Cup, while the runner-up enters the playoff lottery.
Recent meetings between these sides have been evenly matched, with Scotland holding 3 wins to Denmark’s 2 across their last six encounters, plus one draw. Their earlier Group C clash in Copenhagen ended 0-0, while the 2022 World Cup qualifying cycle saw both teams win at home, including Scotland’s 2-0 victory at Hampden.
Scotland enters with 5 wins and 1 loss in their last six matches overall. At Hampden Park specifically, they have won 2 of their last 3, defeating Greece 3-1 and Belarus 2-1 after losing 1-3 to Iceland in a friendly. The home crowd will be crucial as Scotland seeks to end their 28-year World Cup absence.
Denmark’s form shows 4 wins and 2 draws in their last six overall, remaining unbeaten throughout this qualifying campaign. However, their vulnerability showed in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Belarus, offering Scotland a lifeline they must now capitalize on.
The tactical battle centers on Scotland’s set-piece threat against Denmark’s possession game. Scotland has scored 4 goals from corners or free kicks during this campaign while averaging 1.3 goals from 9.1 attempts per game. Denmark averages 2.0 goals from 16.4 attempts per game with 53.6% possession across their last 10 qualifiers.
Scotland has significant absences with goalkeeper Angus Gunn and midfielders Billy Gilmour and Lennon Miller all out injured, weakening their spine. However, Ryan Christie and Lewis Ferguson return from suspension to bolster the midfield, with no new suspensions from the Greece match.
Denmark faces major uncertainty after a sickness bug swept through their camp. Star striker Rasmus Hojlund and defender Joachim Andersen both missed the Belarus match through illness and remain major doubts. The manager expressed hope for their recovery but their availability remains the biggest question mark.
Both teams are expected to line up in contrasting formations with Scotland’s 3-4-2-1 facing Denmark’s 4-3-3. Scotland will likely field Gordon; Ralston, Souttar, McKenna, Robertson; McTominay, Ferguson; McGinn, Christie, Gannon-Doak; Adams. Denmark’s projected XI features Schmeichel; Kristensen, Christensen, Andersen, Dorgu; Hojbjerg, Hjulmand, Eriksen; Isaksen, Damsgaard, Hojlund.
Numbers to Watch
Scotland’s 4 set-piece goals this campaign against a Denmark side that needs only a draw. The Danes’ 16.4 shots per game average faces a must-win Scotland at fortress Hampden.
Where to watch: The match airs on Prime Video in the UK and Disney+, Fox Sports, Fubo TV, and ViX in the USA.
