Scotland have actually won three of their last four meetings with Denmark although, on Danish soil, de Rød-Hvide have won each of their last three encounters, all without conceding, most recently prevailing 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier in September 2021; Daniel Wass and Joakim Mæhle scoring.
Denmark vs Scotland preview
Following back-to-back European Championship appearances, Scotland supporters are desperate to see their side back at a World Cup, having missed out on each of the last six, dating back to France '98. However, despite all Steve Clarke has achieved since taking over in 2019, set to become his country's longest-serving manager of all time next month, belief in him is waning and fast.
When the Dark Blues were last in competitive action in March, they were relegated from Nations League A, actually winning the first leg of their play-off 1-0 in Piraeus, before being taken apart 3-0 when Greece visited Hampden three days later. June's 3-1 home friendly defeat at the hands of Iceland did little to lift the mood, with the Tartan Army having seen their side win only five of 22 outings, including friendlies, across the last two years. With Greece and Belarus also in Group C, top spot is very much up for grabs, but Scotland supporters fear they won't even get into the play-offs.
Denmark meantime are aiming to qualify for a third successive World Cup for the very first time ever, pipping Scotland to top spot in the group four years ago. More recently, Brian Riemer's side underlined their quality by reaching the Nations League quarter-finals earlier this year, actually beating Portugal 1-0 at Parken, before ultimately crashing out in extra time in Lisbon. They then beat both Northern Ireland and Lithuania in June friendlies, warming up for the start of this campaign.
De Rød-Hvide have featured at all four major tournaments since 2016, winning 25 of their last 35 qualifiers, including claiming victory in each of the last 13 in Copenhagen, their most recent such home defeat coming at the hands of Montenegro in October 2016. Thus, Denmark are favourites to top Group C and make a winning start at Parken on Friday night.
Denmark vs Scotland head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 19.
- Denmark Wins: 8. Draws: Zero. Scotland Wins: 11.
Denmark team news
Brian Riemer is without the injured Christian Nørgaard, while talisman Christian Eriksen, who has 144 caps to his name, is not in the squad given that he's currently without a club.
In terms of who will feature, Celtic's Kasper Schmeichel will captain the side in goal, with Premier League-based Joachim Andersen and Patrick Dorgu in defence. Further forward, Anders Dreyer's excellent form in MLS for San Diego has earned him another call up, scoring for his country for the very first time in June, while Newcastle's William Osula is hoping to make his senior debut.
Denmark predicted lineup vs Scotland: (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Mæhle, Andersen, Christensen, Dorgu; Højbjerg, Hjulmand, Damsgaard; Skov Olsen, Dreyer, Højlund.
Denmark player to watch vs Scotland
Denmark have plenty of attacking options, but Napoli's new signing Rasmus Højlund could lead the line, having bagged his eighth international goal against Portugal back in March.
Scotland team news
Steve Clarke is without Kieran Tierney, Nathan Patterson and Anthony Ralston due to injured, while none of Craig Gordon, Greg Taylor, Stuart Armstrong nor Lawrence Shankland have been called up.
Tierney's absence means it'll likely be a back four, with John Souttar, who scored against Denmark the last time the pair met, likely to be partnered by Grant Hanley. Goalkeeper Angus Gunn hasn't played a single minute for anyone since getting injured seven minutes into June's friendly defeat to Iceland, but will he continue to don the gloves, chosen over Zander Clark and Liam Kelly?
Further forward, in a massive boost, the recently rebranded Ben Gannon Doak is back, having been the star of the Nations League campaign. Lyndon Dykes and Ché Adams both have nine international goals to their name, so it's tough to forecast who will lead the attack. Lastly, ft again Aaron Hickey is hoping to earn a first international cap since October 2023 against Spain.
Scotland predicted lineup vs Denmark: (4-5-1): Gunn; Hickey, Hanley, Souttar, Robertson; Gilmour, McTominay, McGinn, Gannon Doak, Christie; Dykes.
Scotland player to watch vs Denmark
John McGinn is the top-scorer in this squad, but Scott McTominay is Scotland's main man for goals, bagging his 12th for the Tartan Army against Greece at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in March.
Denmark vs Scotland prediction
Given Denmark's imperious home record, we are backing them for victory, likely to be too strong for a Scotland side full of talent, but lacking form and positivity just now: Denmark 2-0 Scotland.
Denmark vs Scotland FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Denmark vs Scotland in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Denmark vs Scotland in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: BBC One & BBC Scotland
- USA: Fox Sports & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Denmark vs Scotland in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Denmark vs Scotland in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: BBCiPlayer
- USA: Foxsports.com & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Denmark vs Scotland in World Cup qualification?
Denmark vs Scotland takes place on Friday 5 September 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (BST), 14:45 (EDT) & 11:45 (PDT).