Scotland Clinch 2026 World Cup Place with Dramatic Late Strikes Spain and Switzerland Book Spots Too

Stoppage-time brilliance from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean delivered Scotland an incredible 4-2 victory against Denmark on Tuesday securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup as Spain earned theirs via a 2-2 stalemate with Turkey.

Belgium demolished Liechtenstein 7-0 to join next years event while Switzerland and Austria managed draws to confirm their berths in the tournament hosted by the United States Canada and Mexico.

The thrilling finish in Glasgow ensures Steve Clarkes team will compete on the world stage for the first time since 1998.

Tied at 2-2 beyond the 90-minute mark Denmark appeared destined to top Group C and qualify until Tierney unleashed a stunning long-range curler three minutes into added time.

McLean then sealed the deal by chipping the ball over Denmark keeper Kasper Schmeichel who had strayed far from goal from the halfway line at the 98-minute point.

"It captures the spirit of this group perfectly" skipper Andy Robertson remarked to the BBC. "We never give up pushing until the very last second in one of the wildest matches imaginable.

"We put the nation on edge but I am certain the payoff was worth it. We are World Cup bound."

Earlier Napoli player Scott McTominay had opened the scoring for the home side in the third minute with an acrobatic overhead kick.

McTominays teammate Rasmus Hojlund equalised for Denmark from a penalty just before the hour mark though his team dropped to 10 men when Rasmus Kristensen earned a second yellow.

The tense atmosphere at Hampden Park erupted into joy and relief in the 78th minute when Lawrence Shankland poked home from near range.

Denmark responded swiftly through Patrick Dorgu four minutes later only for Tierney and McLean to grab the spotlight.

Denmark now enters Thursdays European play-off draw set for March.

Switzerland earns a sixth straight World Cup finals appearance after a 1-1 draw in Pristina versus Kosovo.

Requiring a win by fewer than six goals to hold first place the Swiss stayed composed with Ruben Vargas scoring in the 47th minute before Florent Muslija levelled it.

Mixed Emotions

Euro 2024 champions Spain faced a comparable scenario in Seville versus Turkey yet never risked the heavy defeat that could have let the opponents overtake them.

Dani Olmo put Spain in front but Deniz Gul and Salih Ozcan scored for Turkey marking the hosts first goals conceded in qualifying.

Mikel Oyarzabal restored the lead past the hour extending Spains unbeaten streak.

"We aimed for a victory and a shutout so its a mixed feeling but qualifying for the World Cup brings joy" Olmo shared with TVE.

Michael Gregoritsch forced in a 77th-minute equaliser securing a 1-1 draw for Austria against Bosnia and Herzegovina which guarantees Ralf Rangnicks squad their first World Cup in 28 years.

"Its unbelievable we did it. Ive chased a World Cup spot for 18 years and now at careers end we achieved it. I cannot wait" said 36-year-old Austrian striker Marko Arnautovic per UEFA.com.

Haris Tabakovics opener had threatened to steal top position from Austria until Gregoritsch sent Bosnia to the play-offs.

Belgium the 2018 semi-finalists eased into the World Cup draw with a dominant thrashing of Liechtenstein inspired by Jeremy Doku.

The Manchester City forward notched a double in Liege as Charles De Ketelaere added two more with Hans Vanaken Brandon Mechele and Alexis Saelemaekers rounding off the scoreline.

In Groups J other fixture runners-up Wales also hit seven past North Macedonia in a 7-1 win featuring Harry Wilsons hat-trick from free-kicks.

North Macedonia still secures a play-off slot via their Nations League results.

Romania matching that score against San Marino also gains a Nations League boosted play-off chance after third in Group H.

Sweden collecting just their second qualifying point in a 1-1 home tie with Slovenia progresses similarly.

The 16-team European play-offs offer four more continental sides a shot at North America next year.