Scotland will host Denmark in a decisive showdown on Tuesday for an automatic World Cup place after a dramatic night in Group C, despite losing 3–2 to Greece on Saturday.
Steve Clarke’s side nearly came back from 3–0 down in Piraeus, while group leaders Denmark were unexpectedly held 2–2 at home by Belarus. The Danes sit on 11 points, one ahead of Scotland, and carry a far superior goal difference — meaning they only need a draw in Glasgow. Scotland, aiming for their first World Cup appearance since 1998, must win.
Captain Andy Robertson said the team were grateful still to have everything to play for. “Winner takes all on Tuesday, that’s all we could ask for,” he told the BBC. “People were writing us off from the start… now we’ve got a shootout to win the group.”
Scotland’s evening began poorly as Anastasios Bakasetas beat Grant Hanley and fired Greece ahead early. Goalkeeper Craig Gordon produced several key saves to keep Scotland alive as the hosts — already out of contention — dominated the early stages. Clarke’s men improved late in the half, with Scott McTominay hitting the bar, Che Adams heading wide and Ben Gannon-Doak missing a clear chance.
Adams squandered another opportunity early in the second half before Greece struck twice in quick succession through Konstantinos Karetsas and Christos Tzolis to lead 3–0. Gannon-Doak pulled one back and Ryan Christie headed in a second as news arrived that Belarus had taken a surprise lead in Copenhagen.
Scotland pushed for an equaliser, with McTominay and George Hirst going close, but Denmark’s late leveller against Belarus meant Clarke’s men could no longer settle for anything but victory on Tuesday.
With a play-off place already secured, Scotland enter the Hampden decider knowing only a win will send them directly to the 2026 World Cup.
