Scotland began their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in resolute fashion with a draw against Group C favourites Denmark at Parken on Friday.
Scott McTominay went closest for the visitors five minutes after the break when the Napoli midfielder’s shot forced a fine save from Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, and Lyndon Dykes spurned an excellent opportunity by dallying inside the box after Che Adams’ low pass from the right gave the Birmingham City forward free sight of goal.
Denmark, whose only defeat in their last 18 home matches has been against European champions Spain, threatened through efforts from distance by Anders Dreyer and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, while Scotland’s Max Johnston was adjudged not to have denied a clear goalscoring opportunity after a Video Assistant Referee check on the defender’s handball during the second half.
Scotland are next in action away to Belarus on Monday (19:45 BST / 14:45 ET / 11:45 PT). Denmark are simultaneously away to Greece, who won their opener 5-1 at home to the White Wings.
“A massive sigh of relief”
The referee says no red card for Max Johnston after a prolonged look on the screen…#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/2oZ9vQJNTR
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) September 5, 2025
Denmark team vs Scotland
Schmeichel, who won a Scottish treble with the Hoops last season, was part of a Denmark squad also featuring 10 Premier League players.
Their bench included Manchester United wideman Patrick Dorgu and forward Rasmus Hojlund, who came on and has just joined Napoli on loan.
Manager Brian Riemer is hoping to lead the hosts to a third consecutive appearance at the finals.
Denmark starting 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 while Steve Clarke’s side are hoping to end their country’s absence since 1998.
Scotland team vs Denmark
Scotland last won in Denmark in 1975 and trail 11-7 in the head-to-head record between the countries, who had never previously shared a draw.
Celtic full-backs Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston withdrew from Scotland’s squad with knocks. Sassuolo’s Josh Doig was called up as cover.
Brentford full-back Aaron Hickey returned after an absence of almost two years following hamstring problems.
Scotland starting 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 football team World Cup qualifying fixtures
All fixtures start at 19:45 UK time (14:45 ET / 11:45 PT) unless otherwise stated.
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 games: What happens if they top group?
The top team from each of the 12 European Qualifier groups proceeds automatically to the finals, which will be expanded to 48 teams.
England, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Portugal, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, France and Croatia are among the favourites to win their groups.
What happens if Scotland finish second in World Cup qualifiers?
Scotland will be eliminated if they finish third or below and enter the play-offs between March 26-31 2026 if they come second.
The 12 runners-up in each group will join four Nations League teams in the play-offs, which will be drawn from pots based on teams’ records during the campaign. The games will comprise single-leg semi-finals and finals.
The draw for the World Cup finals will take place in December 2025. The tournament runs from June 11 until July 19 2026.
