SCOTLAND’S STUNNING RETURN TO THE WORLD CUP

It’s been nearly three decades since the Scotland national football team last walked onto a World Cup stage, and they made quite a statement when they finally did.

On a wild night at Hampden Park, they stunned the Denmark national football team 4-2 to seal their spot in the 2026 tournament. The feat was sealed in stoppage time thanks to late strikes from Kieran Tierney with a majestic curling effort and Kenny McLean with a cheeky lob from the halfway line.  

The day had kicked off sensationally with Scott McTominay opening the scoring via a dramatic overhead kick.

But Denmark, which only needed a point and had been playing with ten men for much of the match, twice pulled level before the Scots found their late magic. Suddenly, what looked like a missed chance for Scotland turned into one of the most memorable nights in their international history.

In the same qualifying window, Europe’s heavyweights weren’t far behind. Spain's national football team locked in their 13th consecutive World Cup appearance with a draw against Turkey, while Austria's national football team, Belgium's national football team and Switzerland's national football team all secured their places through steady performances.

Image credit: ESPN India