Scotland secure men's World Cup spot for first time since 1998

Scotland secured a place at the men's World Cup for the first time since 1998 as stoppage-time goals by Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean secured a thrilling 4-2 win over Denmark at Hampden Park.

Scott McTominay's spectacular third-minute bicycle kick had given the hosts a half-time lead. Rasmus Hojlund equalised for the Danes in the 57th minute shortly before Rasmus Kristensen was sent off, but Lawrence Shankland restored Scotland's advantage.

When Patrick Dorgu brought Denmark level again with nine minutes remaining, it seemed they would claim the point needed to top the group and book their place at next year's tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico. However, Tierney fired an unstoppable shot past Kasper Schmeichel in the third minute of stoppage time And then, with the Denmark goalkeeper up in attack at the other end of the pitch, McLean hit a long-range effort from his own half to spark delirious scenes.

How to get tickets for the 2026 World Cup The victory saw Scotland top Group C and secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Head coach Steve Clarke had already led his country to back-to-back European Championships.

He told the BBC: "Scott McTominay scored the best overhead kick I've ever seen, and it might not have been the best goal of the night!" Scotland captain Andy Robertson dedicated the victory to his former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota, who died earlier this year in a car accident. He told the BBC: "We certainly put the country through it, but I'm sure it will be worth it." Read more from Sky News:Congress clears release of Epstein filesBest and worst parcel delivery firms revealed "I couldn't get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head today," he added.

We spoke so much together about the World Cup. When he missed out in Qatar through injury and I missed out when Scotland never went.

"We always discussed what it would be like going to this World Cup. I know he'll be somewhere smiling over me tonight." Scotland join England in having qualified for the tournament, while Northern Ireland and Wales are in the play-offs.

So too are the Republic of Ireland. The draw for the play-offs takes place on Thursday.

The draw for the World Cup itself will take place in Washington on 5 December..