Scotland kicked off the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Friday against Group C’s most popular Denmark.
Five minutes after the break, Scott McTominay scored the closest to the visitor in a shot from Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, while Lyndon Dykes turned down a great opportunity to pass from right to Birmingham’s free-vision shot from the low-speed pass from Che Adams.
Denmark’s only defeat in its last 18 home games was against European champions Spain, who threatened through the distance between Anders Dreyer and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, while Scotland’s Max Johnston was seen not denying the chance to keep a goalkeeper against the video assistant referee of the defender’s referee in the second half.
Scotland is next to its action to Belarus on Monday (19:45 BST / 14:45 ET / 11:45 PT). Denmark was on a business trip with Greece at the same time, and Greece won the opening match 5-1 with the White Wings.
“Sigh of comfort”
After the referee’s long appearance on the screen, he did not give Max Johnston a red card…#bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/2oz9vqjntr
– BBC Sport Scotland (@bbcsportscot) September 5, 2025
Denmark vs Scotland
Schmeichel, who won Scottish treble with the basketball team last season, is part of a Denmark team and is also a 10 Premier League player.
On their bench are Manchester United’s Wardman Patrick Dorgu and striker Rasmus Hojlund, who has arrived and has just borrowed Naples.
Manager Brian Riemer hopes to lead the host to the final for the third consecutive time.
Denmark Start XI: Kasper Schmeichel, Rasmus Kristensen, Joachim Andersen, Andreas Christensen, Joakim Maehle, Anders Dreyer, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Morten Hjulmand, Mikkel Damsgaard, Kasper Dolberg, Kasper Dolberg, Mika Biereth, Mika Biereth
Denmark alternative: Mads Hermansen, Filip Jorgensen, Jannik Vestergaard, Lucas Hogsberg, Matt O’Riley, William Osula, Rasmus Hojlund, Albert Gronbaek, Andreas Skov Olsen, Andreas Skov Olsen, Victor Frohlt, Patrick Dorgu, Patrick Dorgu, Anton Gaaei, STEVE CLARKE is their countryside because of their countryside.
Scotland vs Denmark
Scotland won the last time in Denmark in 1975, winning 11-7 in a positive record between the two countries, which had never shared a draw before.
Celtic defenders Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston were knocked out of Scotland. Sassuolo’s Josh Doig is called the cover.
Brentford defender Aaron Hickey returned nearly two years after a hamstring problem.
Scotland Start XI: Angus Gunn, Aaron Hickey, John Souttar, Grant Hanley, Andry Robertson, John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Ryan Christie, Che Adams, Lewis Ferguson, Lyndon Dykes
Scottish flower🏴Strong Strong 🏴Strong Strong 🏴Strong Strong 🎶🎵
Watch Denmark v. Scotland Live now @BBCScotland and @BBCiplayer ⤵️#bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/vvafdfmaaf
– BBC Sport Scotland (@bbcsportscot) September 5, 2025
Scotland Alternative: 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
All Scotland teams in the qualifiers of the September 2025 World Cup
goalkeeper: Zander Clark, Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly
Defender: Josh Doig, Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Dom Hyam, Max Johnston, Scott McKenna, Andy Robertson
Midfielder: Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson, Ben Gannon Doak, Billy Gilmour, John McGinn, Kenny McLean, Scott McTomini
forward: Che Adams, Kieron Bowie, Lyndon Dykes, George Hirst
Scottish Football Team World Cup Qualifying Competition
Unless otherwise stated, all fixtures begin at 19:45 UK time (ET/11:45).
Friday, September 5: Denmark 0-0 Scotland
Monday, September 8: Belarus vs. Scotland
Thursday, October 9: Scotland and Greece
Sunday, October 12: Scotland vs Belarus (17:00)
Saturday, November 15: Greece and Scotland
Tuesday, November 18: Scotland and Denmark
Scottish Games: What if their top group?
The top team from each of the 12 European qualifying groups will automatically enter the finals, which will expand to 48 teams.
England, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Portugal, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, France and Croatia are all favorites to win the group.
What would happen if Scotland ranked second in the World Cup qualifiers?
If Scotland ranks third or below and finishes second in 2026 from 26 to 31 March, they will be eliminated if they are second.
The 12 runner-ups in each group will join four N League teams in the playoffs, which will be taken from the pot based on team records during the campaign. These games will include one-legged semifinals and finals.
The draw in the World Cup final will be held in December 2025. The competition will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
