Scotland started their 2026 World Cup qualifying marketing campaign in resolute vogue with a draw towards Group C favourites Denmark at Parken on Friday.
Scott McTominay went closest for the guests 5 minutes after the break when the Napoli midfielder’s shot compelled a high quality save from Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, and Lyndon Dykes spurned a wonderful alternative by dallying contained in the field after Che Adams’ low go from the suitable gave the Birmingham Metropolis ahead free sight of objective.
Denmark, whose solely defeat of their final 18 house matches has been towards European champions Spain, threatened by means of efforts from distance by Anders Dreyer and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, whereas Scotland’s Max Johnston was adjudged to not have denied a transparent goalscoring alternative after a Video Assistant Referee examine on the defender’s handball throughout the second half.
Scotland are subsequent in motion away to Belarus on Monday (19:45 BST / 14:45 ET / 11:45 PT). Denmark are concurrently away to Greece, who gained their opener 5-1 at house to the White Wings.
“An enormous sigh of aid”
The referee says no pink card for Max Johnston after a chronic look on the display…#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/2oZ9vQJNTR
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) September 5, 2025
Denmark staff vs Scotland
Schmeichel, who gained a Scottish treble with the Hoops final season, was a part of a Denmark squad additionally that includes 10 Premier League gamers.
Their bench included Manchester United wideman Patrick Dorgu and ahead Rasmus Hojlund, who got here on and has simply joined Napoli on mortgage.
Supervisor Brian Riemer is hoping to guide the hosts to a 3rd consecutive look on the finals.
Denmark beginning XI: Kasper Schmeichel, Rasmus Kristensen, Joachim Andersen, Andreas Christensen, Joakim Maehle, Anders Dreyer, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Morten Hjulmand, Mikkel Damsgaard, Kasper Dolberg, Mika Biereth
Denmark substitutes: Mads Hermansen, Filip Jorgensen, Jannik Vestergaard, Lucas Hogsberg, Matt O’Riley, William Osula, Rasmus Hojlund, Albert Gronbaek, Andreas Skov Olsen, Victor Froholdt, Patrick Dorgu, Anton Gaaei whereas Steve Clarke’s aspect are hoping to finish their nation’s absence since 1998.
Scotland staff vs Denmark
Scotland final gained in Denmark in 1975 and path 11-7 within the head-to-head report between the international locations, who had by no means beforehand shared a draw.
Celtic full-backs Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston withdrew from Scotland’s squad with knocks. Sassuolo’s Josh Doig was referred to as up as cowl.
Brentford full-back Aaron Hickey returned after an absence of just about two years following hamstring issues.
Scotland beginning XI: Angus Gunn, Aaron Hickey, John Souttar, Grant Hanley, Andry Robertson, John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Ryan Christie, Che Adams, Lewis Ferguson, Lyndon Dykes
Flower of Scotland 🏴🎶🎵
Watch Denmark v Scotland LIVE now on @BBCScotland and @BBCiPlayer ⤵️#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/vvAFDfMAAF
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) September 5, 2025
Scotland substitutes: Liam Kelly, Zander Clark, Josh Doig, Billy Gilmour, Jack Hendry, Lennon Miller, Scott McKenna, Ben Gannon-Doak, George Hirst, Kieron Bowie, Max Johnston, Kenny McLean
Full Scotland squad for September 2025 World Cup qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Zander Clark, Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly
Defenders: Josh Doig, Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Dom Hyam, Max Johnston, Scott McKenna, Andy Robertson, John Souttar
Midfielders: Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson, Ben Gannon Doak, Billy Gilmour, John McGinn, Kenny McLean, Scott McTominay, Lennon Miller
Forwards: Che Adams, Kieron Bowie, Lyndon Dykes, George Hirst
Scotland soccer staff World Cup qualifying fixtures
All fixtures begin at 19:45 UK time (14:45 ET / 11:45 PT) until in any other case acknowledged.
Friday, September 5: Denmark 0-0 Scotland
Monday, September 8: Belarus vs Scotland
Thursday, October 9: Scotland vs Greece
Sunday, October 12: Scotland vs Belarus (17:00)
Saturday, November 15: Greece vs Scotland
Tuesday, November 18: Scotland vs Denmark
Scotland video games: What occurs in the event that they high group?
The highest staff from every of the 12 European Qualifier teams proceeds robotically to the finals, which might be expanded to 48 groups.
England, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Portugal, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, France and Croatia are among the many favourites to win their teams.
What occurs if Scotland end second in World Cup qualifiers?
Scotland might be eradicated in the event that they end third or under and enter the play-offs between March 26-31 2026 if they arrive second.
The 12 runners-up in every group will be part of 4 Nations League groups within the play-offs, which might be drawn from pots based mostly on groups’ data throughout the marketing campaign. The video games will comprise single-leg semi-finals and finals.
The draw for the World Cup finals will happen in December 2025. The event runs from June 11 till July 19 2026.
