Scotland reach 2026 World Cup with stunning late show, Spain, Switzerland qualify

PARIS, France, November 20 ------ Injury-time wonder-goals by Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean handed Scotland a stunning 4-2 win over Denmark to qualify them for the 2026 World Cup, while Spain also booked their ticket with a 2-2 draw against Turkey.

Belgium thumped Liechtenstein 7-0 to reach next year's tournament as Switzerland and Austria ground out draws to secure their places in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Scotland's late show in Glasgow means Steve Clarke's side have qualified for the global footballing showpiece for the first time since 1998.

Level at 2-2 as the clock ticked past 90, Denmark were set to advance to the World Cup as Group C winners until Tierney curled in an exquisite finish from distance three minutes into injury time. McLean then put the match beyond doubt as he lifted the ball over Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who was well off his line, from the halfway line on 98 minutes. "That just sums up this squad," captain Andy Robertson told the BBC. "Never say die. We just keep going right to the end and one of the craziest games. "We put the country through it, but I'm sure it's worth it. We're going to the World Cup."

Earlier, Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay had given the hosts a third-minute lead with a towering overhead kick. McTominay's clubmate Rasmus Hojlund levelled for Denmark from the spot just shy of the hour, before his side went down to 10 as Rasmus Kristensen picked up a second booking. An anxious Hampden Park let out a roar of ecstasy and relief in the 78th minute as Lawrence Shankland turned in from close range. But Denmark struck back again through Patrick Dorgu four minutes later before Tierney and McLean stole the headlines.

Denmark will now be in Thursday's draw for the European play-offs, which will take place next March. Switzerland will appear in a sixth successive World Cup finals after drawing 1-1 in Pristina against Kosovo. With the Swiss needing to avoid a defeat by six goals to seal top spot, they rarely looked troubled as Ruben Vargas handed them the lead in the 47th minute before Florent Muslija equalized.

Source: philstar.com