Scotland qualify for 2026 World Cup: Scott McTominay, Kenny McLean score wonder-strikes in epic Hampden Park win over Denmark

Scott McTominay, Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean all score wonder-goals as Scotland reach the 2026 World Cup with a 4-2 victory over Denmark.

The Tartan Army went into Tuesday's showdown at Hampden Park knowing that three points would end 28 years without an appearance at a World Cup Finals, and they defied a nerve-shredding night in Glasgow to qualify for the tournament in United States, Canada and Mexico.

McTominay put Scotland into an early lead with a quite outrageous overhead kick from 12 yards, yet that was the only shot that Steve Clarke's side mustered until the closing 15 minutes of the game.

Denmark's equaliser from the penalty spot in the second half came in controversial circumstances as a foul committed by Andrew Robertson appeared to be marginally outside the area, and Rasmus Hojlund took full advantage.

Despite Rasmus Kristensen being harshly handed a second yellow in the 61st minute, Scotland did not look like regaining the lead until a corner was glanced in by Lawrence Shankland with 12 minutes remaining.

Poor Scotland defending led to Patrick Dorgu getting Denmark - who only needed a draw - back on level terms three minutes later, and all looked lost for Scotland as the visitors defended deeply.

However, up stepped Tierney in the 93rd minute with a stunning first-time left-footed effort from 20 yards that flew into the far corner, leaving Scotland with three more minutes to see out for one of the most famous results in their history.

Although the referee extended the game into an eighth minute of added-on time, Scotland were rewarded as McLean saw Kasper Schmeichel out of his goal from the halfway line and delivered the perfectly-flighted effort over the goalkeeper to spark pandemonium.

"I thought we were pretty rubbish"

Speaking to BBC Scotland after the game, midfielder John McGinn conceded that the team were far from their best, but acknowledged that he would never be able to replicate the feeling of victory in such a high-stakes game for his nation.

He said: "I've played with Kenny for years at St Mirren. To see that ball hit the net, I can't even explain. I thought we were pretty rubbish to be honest, but who cares?

"To get over the line was such an amazing feeling. The gaffer's team talk was exceptional. It's a privilege every time we meet up. It's just humble guys wanting to do well for their country. We left everything out there.

"I thought I'd blocked Dorgu's shot. You think that's it - glorious failure, another blow. I was thinking about the play-offs 91st minute.

"What a hit from KT - I will never feel like that in a football stadium ever again."