‘The Denmark game transcended football – you couldn’t write that ending if you tried’ Ryan Christie on the classic win that sealed Scotland’s World Cup return

The Scotland team celebrate Kenny McLean's (centre) goal to make it 4-2 during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier between Scotland and Denmark at Hampden Park.

For a generation of fans and players alike, Scotland had to get used to near misses, heartbreak and the so-called ‘glorious failure’ that has followed them since their last World Cup appearance in 1998.

But after making progress under current boss Steve Clarke and returning to tournament football after a two-decade wait when they qualified for Euro 2020 and then Euro 2024, the Tartan Army are back on the biggest stage.