Scotland are just 90 minutes away from a first World Cup since 1998 as they play host to Denmark in a decisive winner-takes-all qualifier tonight.
Defeat to Greece on the weekend threatened to take Steve Clarke’s side all but out of contention for automatic qualification, but they were thrown a lifeline when Denmark failed to beat group minnows Belarus on the same night, drawing 2-2 in Copenhagen.
Scotland are guaranteed of a play-off at the very least, but the Tartan Army could not have wished for a better opportunity in the knowledge that victory at Hampden Park will seal a place at next summer’s tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
“We always thought that when the draw was made, that if we could get it down to the final game here at Hampden, that would be an achievement because we would then have had to finish above our seeding,” Clarke said. "We have done that. We were drawn as a pot three team, but we are already in second place. We want to go one step further and finish top of the group."
Follow all the action from Hampden Park in our live blog below.
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Scotland vs Denmark live
- Scotland play host to Denmark with automatic World Cup qualification on the line | Live on BBC Two
- Tartan Army hoping for first World Cup since 1998
- Grant Hanley replaced John Souttar in the Scotland defence minutes before kick-off
- 82' GOAL! Dorgu equalses in dagger to Scottish hearts [SCO 2-2 DEN]
- 78' GOAL! Shankland puts Scotland back on course for qualification [SCO 2-1 DEN]
- 61' RED CARD! Kristensen controversially shown second yellow for Danes [SCO 1-1 DEN]
- 57' GOAL! Hojlund converts from the spot after lengthy VAR check [SCO 1-1 DEN]
- 23' NO GOAL! Hojlund lashes into roof of net but whistle blows [SCO 1-0 DEN]
- 3' GOAL! McTominay scores stunning bicycle kick to give Scotland lead [SCO 1-0 DEN]
Scotland 2-2 Denmark
21:40 , Will Castle90 mins: SIX minutes for Scotland to save this.
Denmark have just brought on Biereth for Isaksen. It came after Norgaard replaced Hojlund a few minutes earlier.
Scotland 2-2 Denmark
21:38 , Will Castle88 mins: Stephen McKenna on co-commentary just let out an audible groan in frustration as his nation search for a late winner.
Time is running out.
Scotland 2-2 Denmark
21:37 , Will Castle86 mins: CLOSE! You cannot get closer than that from John McGinn.
He receives it in space inside the box and bends aiming for the top-left corner. It goes just beyond the goal. Agony.
Scotland 2-2 Denmark
21:35 , Will Castle85 mins: Scotland have five minutes to produce one more moment of magic. They’ll look to Troy Parrott for inspiration.
Adams just saw his effort go agonisingly wide.
GOAL! Scotland 2-2 Denmark (Dorgu, 82')
21:31 , Will CastleA dagger to Scottish hearts.
Dorgu slots home from inside the box. Their lead lasted just four minutes.
GOAL! Scotland 2-1 Denmark (Shankland, 78')
21:27 , Will CastleHAS LAWRENCE SHANKLAND JUST SENT SCOTLAND TO THE WORLD CUP?!?!
It’s the easiest goal he will ever score, with the corner running through everyone for Shankland to tap in from a yard out.
They’re a man up, and now they’re a goal up. Scotland have 12 minutes plus stoppages to hold on.
Scotland 1-1 Denmark
21:27 , Will Castle77 mins: CHANCE! Finally, something for Scotland!
A long throw is hurled into the Denmark area, causing a moment of panic as the ball pinballs off bodies.
It falls to Ferguson who scuffs his volley into the ground, bouncing into the grateful arms of Schmeichel.
Scotland 1-1 Denmark
21:25 , Will Castle76 mins: Scotland get a rare glimpse at creating something as Robertson finds himself in space on the left.
However, his cross floats over everyone and out for a goal-kick. He is so much better than that.
Scotland 1-1 Denmark
21:23 , Will Castle73 mins: A quick look at the stats shows just how difficult tonight has been for Scotland.
The hosts have had one shot all evening. Denmark have had 18.
This would be the ultimate smash and grab if Scotland were to get this done. But it only takes one chance...
Scotland 1-1 Denmark
21:21 , Will Castle72 mins: Hampden is belting out “Flower of Scotland” to try and push their team on, but as Adams receives the ball on halfway, he’s brilliantly dispossessed by Hjulmand.
It sparks a counter which brings danger to the Scotland box. Hojlund sees a shot in the area blocked before Hjulmand, who started the move, can’t get his effort away.
Denmark have a free-kick in their half now, a stoppage which has allowed Clarke to bring Tierney on for Hickey.
Scotland 1-1 Denmark
21:18 , Will Castle69 mins: Scotland might have the numbers advantage, but it’s been all Denmark since the red card.
They’ve been ticking it around the box, trying to work an opportunity in their final third.
Scotland have a chance to build something after Denmark conceded a free-kick, but they need to be more punchy with their passes.
With 20 minutes to go, time is diminishing.
Scotland 1-1 Denmark
21:15 , Will Castle64 mins: Steve Clarke has turned to his bench. Shankland and Adams enter the fray, with Christie and Dykes making way.
The attacking cavalry are here.
RED CARD! Scotland 1-1 Denmark
21:11 , Will Castle61 mins: That’s one way to pick Scotland back up!
Kristensen gets turned by McGinn, who goes down under an admittedly light challenge. It’s probably not a foul, let alone a yellow card - but Scotland will take that.
Hampden Park has been lifted.
Scotland 1-1 Denmark
21:09 , Will Castle60 mins: Scotland need to pick themselves back up if they want to ensure their place at next summer’s World Cup.
They have half an hour to find another goal.
GOAL! Scotland 1-1 Denmark (Hojlund, 57')
21:06 , Will CastleRasmus Hojlund steps up... and fires into the top-left corner.
Denmark are back in the driving seat. Scotland are back to where they started.
PENALTY! Scotland 1-0 Denmark
21:05 , Will Castle56 mins: The referee takes a couple of looks at the replays and deems Robertson’s foul as inside the area.
Denmark have a golden opportunity to take back control.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
21:04 , Will Castle55 mins: The referee is going to the monitor. Never a good sign.
These last two minutes have been torture for the Scots.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
21:03 , Will Castle54 mins: VAR are taking their sweet time over this...
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
21:03 , Will Castle53 mins: This is a worry for Scotland. Robertson may have just conceded a penalty.
He’s brought the Denmark man down - it’s a definite foul. The question is whether it’s committed inside or outside the box.
It looks like it’s on the line... which would be a penalty.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
21:01 , Will Castle52 mins: Another scary moment for Scotland as the Dorgu cross deflects off Hanley’s face. It could’ve gone anywhere but the hosts escape.
Scotland are currently sitting very deep. Every time they hoof it clear, Denmark are coming right back.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
21:00 , Will Castle50 mins: Denmark have started this second half with intent and are putting Scotland under sustained pressure.
The Scots are being required to deal with a flurry of crosses, with a wayward Isaksen effort giving the hosts a momentary reprieve.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:57 , Will Castle47 mins: SAVE! Finally, Hojlund hits the target - but Gordon is equal to it!
The Napoli striker squeezes a shot that’s creeping in at the near post; Gordon gets down well and makes a big stop.
BACK UNDERWAY! Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:54 , Will CastleAnd we’re off again! Scotland are 45 minutes away from the World Cup.
HALF-TIME! Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:54 , Will CastleLet’s take a look at the wider continent and see how the rest of qualifying is going.
Wales are 3-1 up on North Macedonia in their crucial clash that decides which one will go into the play-offs, thus keeping their World Cup dream alive. Belgium are all but through automatically, currently 3-0 up on Lichtenstein.
And in the other winner-takes-all match, Bosnia-Herzegovina are 1-0 up at Austria. As things stand, they’ll be topping Group H and going through automatically, while Austria will go into the play-offs.
Spain are set to top Group E with Turkey entering the play-offs regardless of results due to an insurmountable goal difference. The same goes for Switzerland and Kosovo, with the former topping Group B.
HALF-TIME! Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:50 , Will CastleJust to clarify, this is how the top of Group C currently looks.
With Scotland winning the game as things stand, they sit above Denmark in pole position on 13 points. The Danes are in second on 11 points, staring down the barrel of the perilous World Cup play-offs.
HALF-TIME! Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:47 , Will CastleScotland will be treasuring their lead, but things haven’t gone completely to plan. They’ll be hoping, along with Bournemouth, that Ben Gannon-Doak’s hamstring injury isn’t as serious as it looks.
HALF-TIME! Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:45 , Will CastleA thing of BEAUTY! Scott McTominay, take a bow.
HALF-TIME! Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:42 , Will CastleWatch it, drink it in.
MCTOMINAY!! 🏴
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) November 18, 2025
UNBELIEVABLE! 😲#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/F0IFFjU49e
HALF-TIME! Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:42 , Will CastleScotland have a precious advantage at the break as they lead Denmark in their decisive World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park.
Scott McTominay scored one of, if not the greatest goal in the country’s history to break the deadlock, rising like a basketballer to produce a bicycle kick in the third minute, sending Scotland into pandemonium.
Giving the Scots the edge they needed, Denmark have since rallied and have been working to find an equaliser. But so far, Scotland have held firm.
Scotland are 45 minutes away from the 2026 World Cup finals. This will be the biggest half of football much of the stadium have ever witnessed.
HALF-TIME! Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:37 , Will CastleAnd breathe.
Scotland go into the break with the lead. As it stands, they’re going to the World Cup.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:37 , Will Castle45+3 mins: Scotland under late pressure from Denmark as Isaksen works it well on the right side, cutting it back to Christensen who lets fly from the edge of the box.
His curling effort is deflected wide by McLean and judging by the centre-back’s reaction, that was causing Gordon some trouble.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:34 , Will Castle45+1 mins: FOUR minutes added on. It’s crucial Scotland get into half-time with this lead in tact.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:34 , Will Castle45 mins: Denmark get away with one.
It’s slack play from Kristensen as McGinn robs the ball from his feet while the Danes try to pass it out from the back.
McGinn tries to drive into the area but he’s cynically brought down by the defender at the cost of a stonewall yellow.
The definition of a tactical foul.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:30 , Will Castle42 mins: Another Hojlund half-chance goes begging as he heads over from Kristensen’s cross.
It was by no means an easy opportunity, but the sheer number of touches he’s had in Gordon’s box will be a concern for Steve Clarke.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:29 , Will Castle40 mins: Nervy moments in the Denmark back line as McLean tried to snap up a weak back-pass to Schmeichel - luckily for the visitors, the Celtic stopper gets there first.
With Dykes putting Christensen in a cul-de-sac, Denmark are under real pressure from blue shirts but manage to work it well, with Dorgu winning a free-kick.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:25 , Will Castle37 mins: CLOSE! Another Denmark pot-shot, but that was much closer.
Hojberg fires just wide of the bottom-right corner, courtesy of a deflection.
Denmark get a corner but can’t do anything with it.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:24 , Will Castle35 mins: A chance for what is becoming an increasingly-rare Scotland attack comes to nothing as Dykes mistimes his run on the counter, reaching the ball on the edge of the box only to see the flag go up.
Dykes isn’t the fastest about - you wonder how Che Adams might’ve fared if he was in that position.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:22 , Will Castle34 mins: Scotland will settle for that for Hjulmand. He receives the ball 30 yards from goal and blasts over Gordon’s goal.
That’s the seventh effort Denmark have had. None have been on target.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:18 , Will Castle30 mins: CHANCE! It’s that man again.
Scotland struggle to get out of their final third once again as a delivery is aimed towards the head of Hojlund.
The Napoli frontman is just in front of the flight so can’t guide the ball on target. You feel he’s bound to put away one of these chances if they keep coming like this.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:16 , Will Castle28 mins: Two corners, two heart-in-mouth moments for Scotland.
The first sees the ball come off a Scottish head and flash across Gordon’s goal. The second is met by Hojlund but his header goes just wide.
Scotland need to get out.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:15 , Will Castle27 mins: Scotland cannot get the ball clear right now.
Robertson stands up to his man but as he passes the ball to McGinn, the Villa midfielder has the ball nicked off him
What ensues is a flurry of Denmark deliveries, all defended but only half-cleared.
NO GOAL! Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:11 , Will Castle23 mins: Hojlund has the ball in the goal - but the whistle comes to Scotland’s rescue!
The striker is penalised for pushing Hickey in the back before controlling and lashing into the roof of the net.
A let-off. Scotland are under the cosh.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:09 , Will Castle21 mins: Gannon-Doak is stretchered off - he’s unable to walk, which could indicate something more serious than just a pulled muscle.
McLean comes on in his place.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:08 , Will Castle19 mins: This is a big blow for Scotland. To pick up the spirits, here are some pictures of McTominay’s wondergoal.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:07 , Will Castle18 mins: Concern for Scotland. Gannon-Doak looks in real pain and is holding his hamstring.
He’s in tears, his head in his hands. After such a strong start, this looks like the end of his night.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:04 , Will Castle16 mins: Denmark are knocking at the door.
Hojlund links up with former Man United teammate Dorgu, getting to the byline before fizzing it across the face of goal - no red shirt to tap home, though.
Hojlund then rises for a header in the box which is well defended, and McKenna is later required to make a big block to send a shot for a corner.
Testing moments for the hosts.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:02 , Will Castle14 mins: Denmark switch the play on the edge of the box before working it back centrally, setting up Hojberg for the shot.
He gets under it and it flies over Gordon’s goal.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
20:01 , Will Castle12 mins: The game has calmed down a bit after that unbelievable, inconceivable start.
Gannon-Doak is providing much of the threat and forward impetus when Scotland have the ball, but Denmark are working it nicely and are enjoying more of possession.
Scotland 1-0 Denmark
19:58 , Will Castle6 mins: Just composing myself - can you believe what we’ve just seen?!
The feeling inside Hampden has completely changed, the Tartan Army wouldn’t have dreamed of this.
That said, they need to keep their heads straight - Hojlund just broke in behind and Gordon was required to make a big save to prevent his net from bulging. The flag went up afterwards, but he wasn’t to know it wouldn’t have counted.
GOAL! Scotland 1-0 Denmark (McTominay 3')
19:51 , Will CastleOHHHHHHH MYYYYYY WORRRRRDDDD!!!
SCOTT MCTOMINAY JUST SCORED A BICYCLE KICK!
It’s brilliant from Gannon-Doak, who dances on the edge of the box before lofting a ball in. And then rises McTominay, who stays in the air for what feels like an age before producing an awe-inspiring bicycle kick!
The PERFECT start!
Scotland 0-0 Denmark
19:50 , Will Castle2 mins: First roar of anticipation from the Hampden faithful as McGinn lifts one in behind for Robertson to chase.
He perhaps plays it a bit too late as the ball runs out of play.
KICK-OFF! Scotland 0-0 Denmark
19:49 , Will CastleWE ARE UNDERWAY!
Scotland are 90 minutes away from a place at the World Cup.
Hampden Park delivers
19:46 , Will CastleThat was the loudest, most goosebump-inducing rendition of “Flower of Scotland” I’ve ever heard.
To the sound of bagpipes, Hampden Park has just set the tone for the night.
We have some game of football coming up.
Here come the teams
19:44 , Will CastleHow are the nerves?
The two sets of players make their way out to Hampden. For one team, history awaits.
Time for the anthems...
Last-minute change to Scotland's starting XI
19:42 , Will CastleA late change to Scotland’s starting XI to bring you.
John Souttar has been replaced by Grant Hanley.
Closing in on kick-off
19:40 , Will CastleWe are just five minutes away from kick-off at Hampden Park. To paraphrase the famous ABBA anthem, the winner takes it all, the loser has to go through play-offs.
Can Scotland seal a first World Cup since 1998? We’re about to find out.
Stay tuned!
Getting in the mood at Hampden
19:39 , Will CastleThe feeling of anticipation in Hampden is palpable. Pyro is going off, “Seven Nation Army” is blaring out of the speakers. The Tartan Army are getting in the mood.
The players are lining up in the tunnel...
Steve Clarke calls on Hampden Park to be at its best
19:30 , Will Castle"The crowd are always important here,” Clarke said ahead of Denmark’s visit. WI touched on it briefly after the game in Greece. We need the crowd with us. We need them.
"You probably need the crowd more in the difficult moments than you do in the easy moments when you're on top of the game.
"So I think if we all work together, we can make it a great night for the country.
Denmark out to spoil the party
19:22 , Will Castle How Scotland fared in their last meeting with Denmark
19:15 , Will CastleScotland end their World Cup qualifying campaign facing the same nation they started it against.
While topping the group was just a pipedream at the time, Steve Clarke’s side managed to grit out a hard-fought goalless draw in Copenhagen, picking up what would prove a vital point at group favourites Denmark.
They now need to go one better at Hampden, with only victory enough to see Scotland leapfrog the Danes and book their place at next summer’s tournament finals.
How the new World Cup format works
19:00 , Will CastleWith next summer’s World Cup expanded to 48 teams, there has been a slight rejig in how the tournament will work.
The top two finishers in each group will qualify automatically for the last-32, along with the eight best third-placed teams.
The ranking of the third-placed teams will be determined by points, then goal difference, then goals scored. If two or more teams are still level, then “team conduct scores” will come into play (a yellow card is minus one point, a red card via two yellow cards is minus three points, and a straight red card is minus four). If still equal, the team with the highest world ranking will progress.
When are the World Cup qualifying play-offs and when is the draw?
18:45 , Will CastleThe World Cup qualifiers are almost complete but for several countries an anxious wait remains before the full line-up for next summer’s tournament is confirmed.
There will be 16 European teams who advance to March’s play-offs, which will take place after the World Cup group-stage draw is conducted on 5 December.
The play-offs will be played in single-leg knockout matches, with the draw determining the path. The 16 teams will be draw into four sets of four, leaving each nation two wins away from the World Cup as semi-finals and then a final are played.
Here’s everything you need to know:
When are the World Cup qualifying play-offs and when is the draw?
The perfect early Christmas present?
18:41 , Will CastleWhat the Tartan Army would do for automatic World Cup qualification...
Player arrivals at Hampden
18:38 , Will Castle Lyndon Dykes starts up top for Scotland
18:35 , Will CastleSteve Clarke has rolled the dice with his selection choices.
The most notable switch sees Lyndon Dykes come in for Che Adams up front. Scott McKenna has also replaced Grant Hanley at centre-back.
For Denmark, Rasmus Hojlund returns up top after missing the Belarus game through illness.
The Danes feared the worst when a bug hit their camp, but they seem to have made it to Hampden relatively unscathed.
CONFIRMED LINE-UPS!
18:27 , Will CastleScotland XI: Gordon; Hickey, Souttar, McKenna, Robertson; Ferguson, Christie; McGinn, McTominay, Gannon-Doak; Dykes.
Substitutes: Kelly, Bain, Hanley, Tierney, Irving, Adams, Hendry, Barron, Hirst, Shankland, Ralston, McLean.
Denmark XI: Schmeichel; Kristensen, Andersen, Christensen, Dorgu; Isaksen, Hjulmand, Froholdt, Hojbjerg, Damsgaard; Hojlund.
Substitutes: Hermansen, Jorgensen, Vestergaard, Hogsberg, Nartey, O'Riley, Eriksen, Bruun Larsen, Norgaard, Billing, Wind, Biereth.
Your Starting XI 🏴#SCODEN pic.twitter.com/QPczfD8CaL
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) November 18, 2025
🇩🇰 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍 🇩🇰
— Fodboldlandsholdene 🇩🇰 (@dbulandshold) November 18, 2025
Holdet er sat til den afgørende kamp mod Skotland 🔥#ForDanmark pic.twitter.com/FbeqOKPuse
Closing in on team news
18:20 , Will CastleWe’re about to bring you team news - here’s a reminder of what we know so far:
Billy Gilmour has been ruled out of the group decider after missing the trip to Greece. Steve Clarke may be tempted to start Lyndon Dykes ahead of Che Adams but Ryan Christie and Ben Gannon-Doak scored and could feature again. A midfield of Scott McTominay, John McGinn and Lewis Ferguson lacked balance at times against Greece but Gilmour’s absence may leave no choice but to go again.
Rasmus Hojlund, who has scored four goals in 10 appearances since joining McTominay in Napoli, missed Denmark’s 2-2 draw in Belarus due to illness but could return. Denmark’s squad is experienced, led by Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel as well as midfielders Christian Eriksen and Pierre-Emile Hojberg.
Who can qualify for the World Cup this week?
18:15 , Will CastleWorld Cup qualifying is hurtling towards a conclusion with some of the final places ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico up for grabs over the coming days.
So far, 34 teams have booked their places in what has already been a historic campaign for three first-time qualifiers, with Jordan, Uzbekistan and the Cape Verde islands all through to the 48-team finals.
But who else can ensure their participation in North America? Here’s everything you need to know:
Who can qualify for the World Cup this week?
Andy Robertson: 'I don't like thinking about it'
18:00 , Will CastleScotland skipper Andy Robertson has admitted that he has tried not to think about the magnitude of the game and how much World Cup qualification will mean to the nation.
"I don't like thinking about it, that's the honest answer,” said Robertson. “I've been very lucky to play in Champions League finals and win trophies. I've never thought about it until it's happened.
"I'm looking forward to the fact we have a one game shoot out for the World Cup, that's what I'm pleased about. If that does happen then I can tell you how I feel about it."
Denmark boss insists his team are more ‘fired up’ than Scotland for crucial World Cup qualifier
17:45 , Will CastleDenmark manager Brian Riemer has declared his side will be even more "fired up" than Scotland and their fervent supporters ahead of Tuesday’s pivotal World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park.
When questioned about potential illness within his squad and the anticipated motivation of the home crowd and Steve Clarke’s team, Riemer was unequivocal.
"Not as fired up as us, so that’s my first answer," the 47-year-old stated.
Why Troy Parrott’s magic moment meant much more than just the World Cup play-offs to Ireland
17:30 , Will CastleAs the Irish fans sang, and Troy Parrott’s teammates were already watching clips of his goal, the hero just let it out.
“This is the first time I’ve cried in years as well… I really can’t believe it.”
There are few who can. This is partly why Parrott was far from the only Irish person crying after his deft finish.
The 23-year-old’s comeback hat-trick that culminated in an incredible 96th-minute winner was not just a sensation of an event; of the type that has emotionally captured all of football in the way only the World Cup can.
With Scotland dreaming of their own World Cup moment, Miguel Delaney reflects on the drama surrounding the Troy Parrott drama that delivered a play-off for Ireland:
Why Troy Parrott’s magic moment meant more than the World Cup play-offs to Ireland
Steve Clarke ready to see out the gameplan
17:15 , Will Castle"There's definitely work to do," said Steve Clarke in his pre-match press conference. "We play the pot one team.
"They'll be hurting because they've missed an opportunity to win the group already.
"Always another game. People can speculate and think that other bodies are looking after us, we have to look after ourselves.
"We always thought that when the draw was made, that if we could get it down to the final game here at Hampden, that would be an achievement because we would then have had to finish above our seeding.
"We have done that. We were drawn as a pot three team, but already in second place. We want to go one step further and finish the top of the group."
State of play
17:00 , Will CastleSitting a point behind Group C leaders Denmark ahead of tonight’s clash, Scotland need a win to book their place in next summer’s World Cup.
That the Tartan Army head into their final qualifier with hope is largely thanks to Denmark’s failure to beat Belarus on Saturday night, which meant Steve Clarke’s side survived despite their thrilling 3-2 defeat to Greece.
The likely outcome before the international break was Scotland would need to beat Denmark at Hampden in order to qualify and the stakes remain the same despite the defeat in Greece.
Scotland are guaranteed of a play-off at the very least, as they have been since last month, but Clarke’s side could not have wished for a better opportunity as they stand 90 minutes away from a place at next summer’s tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Who has already qualified for the World Cup?
16:45 , Will CastleHere’s a rundown of every nation to have already booked their place at next summer’s World Cup:
Europe
Qualifying places available: 16
Teams already qualified: England, France, Croatia, Portugal, Norway, Germany, Netherlands
Africa
Qualifying places available: Nine, plus one into intercontinental play-offs
Teams already qualified: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast
Asia
Qualifying places available: Eight, plus one into intercontinental play-offs
Teams qualified: Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar
Americas
Qualifying places available: Six (including three hosts USA, Canada and Mexico), plus two into intercontinental play-offs
Teams already qualified: None through qualifying (USA, Canada and Mexico automatically as co-hosts)
South America
Qualifying places available: Six, plus one into intercontinental play-offs
Teams qualified: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay
Oceania
Qualifying places available: One, plus one into intercontinental play-offs
Teams qualified: New Zealand
Predicted line-ups
16:34 , Will CastleScotland XI: Gunn; Hickey, Hanley, Souttar, Robertson; McGinn, Ferguson, McTominay; Christie, Gannon-Doak; Dykes
Denmark XI: Schmeichel; Nissen, Christensen, Verstergaard, Dorgu; Isaksen, Hojbjerg, Norgaard, Damsgaard; Eriksen, Hojlund
Denmark team news
16:33 , Will CastleA bug has gone around the Denmark setup during the November international break, sidelining attacker Anders Dreyer.
Rasmus Hojlund, who has scored four goals in 10 appearances since joining McTominay in Napoli, missed Denmark’s 2-2 draw in Belarus due to illness but could return.
Denmark’s squad is experienced, led by Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel as well as midfielders Christian Eriksen and Pierre-Emile Hojberg.
Scotland team news
16:32 , Will CastleBilly Gilmour has been ruled out of the group decider after missing the trip to Greece.
Steve Clarke may be tempted to start Lyndon Dykes ahead of Che Adams but Ryan Christie and Ben Gannon-Doak scored and could feature again.
A midfield of Scott McTominay, John McGinn and Lewis Ferguson lacked balance at times against Greece but Gilmour’s absence may leave no choice but to go again.
Is Scotland vs Denmark on TV?
16:31 , Will CastleThe match will kick off at 7:45pm GMT on Tuesday 18 November at Hampden Park.
How can I watch it?
It will be shown on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, with coverage starting from 7:30pm.
Good afternoon!
16:30 , Will CastleGood afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Scotland’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Denmark.
The winner takes it all at Hampden Park with automatic qualification to next summer’s tournament finals on the line. Scotland, a point behind Group C leaders Denmark, require victory to avoid the play-offs and progress.
Scotland have not competed at a World Cup since 1998. For this group of players, history awaits.
Stay tuned for all the build-up, team news and match updates from Hampden Park!
