Scotland have won three of their last five encounters with Denmark, losing just one; their last four clashes have produced a miserly five goals. On Scottish soil, the Tartan Army are seeking a fourth straight win over the Danes, with de Rød-Hvide's most-recent win at Hampden coming in 2002.
Scotland vs Denmark preview
Since first doing so in 1873, Hampden Park has hosted thousands of football matches, as well as concerts by the Rolling Stones, Robbie Williams, U2, Oasis, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Beyoncé and others, but this could be the most famous night the stadium has ever seen.
Scotland have not qualified for a World Cup since France '98, but this could be the night that exile ends. Steve Clarke's side have played pretty abysmally throughout this campaign but, following an opening night goalless draw in Copenhagen, enjoying three successive victory. The most memorable of the trio came last month, fighting back from a goal down to inexplicably beat Greece 3-1 in Glasgow, thanks to goals from Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson and then Lyndon Dykes.
The Dark Blues underwhelming performances finally caught up with them on Saturday night, 3-0 down after an hour at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium against an already eliminated Greece. Late goals from Ben Gannon-Doak and Christie did set up a grand-stand finish in Piraeus, but no equaliser was forthcoming. Nevertheless, after a favour from elsewhere, which we'll document in a second, Scotland still have a shot at World Cup qualification. Win this one at Hampden and the Tartan Army are heading to America, while failure to do so would see them enter March's play-offs. So, will those inside Hampden on Tuesday have a monumental victory to celebrate?
As for Denmark, they should arrive in Glasgow having cemented first place in Group C, only to mess it up. Earlier in the campaign, Brian Riemer's team scored three home and away against Greece, before hitting Belarus for six in Zalaegerszeg last month. Thus, when the pointless Belarusians arrived at Parken on Saturday, no one gave them a prayer, especially when Mikkel Damsgaard's strike broke the deadlock inside 11 minutes. Nevertheless, against all odds, Belarus struck twice in four minutes to lead in Copenhagen, with Gustav Isaksen's late equaliser rescuing a draw for the Danes.
As a result, those dropped points mean Denmark kick off just a point above the Scots, thereby requiring a draw at Hampden to ensure they retain first place. De Rød-Hvide have lost only three of their last 42 qualifiers, but one of these defeats did come at Hampden four years ago, and they are desperate to reach a third successive World Cup, and seventh overall. So, will Denmark pick up the draw they need, or can Scotland give their supporters a night they'll never forget in Mount Florida?
Scotland vs Denmark head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 19.
- Scotland Wins: 11. Draws: 1. Denmark Wins: 7.
Scotland team news
Steve Clarke confirmed on Monday that Billy Gilmour will miss out due to injury, but he is the only noteworthy out-field absentee.
In goal, with Angus Gunn sidelined due to a knee injury, 42 year old Craig Gordon will be donning the gloves, earning his 83rd cap, 21 years on from his debut against Trinidad & Tobago.
Out-field, after centre-backs John Souttar and Grant Hanley were unconvincing in Piraeus, Scott McKenna could come into defence, while Lyndon Dykes might be chosen over Ché Adams up front.
Lewis Ferguson, Aaron Hickey, Souttar, John McGinn, Adams and Ben Gannon-Doak would all miss a possible play-off semi-final if cautioned, not that they plan to be in one.
Scotland predicted lineup vs Denmark: (4-3-3): Gordon; Hickey, Souttar, McKenna, Robertson; Ferguson, McGinn, Gannon-Doak, McTominay, Christie; Dykes.
Scotland player to watch vs Denmark
Andy Robertson will win his 90th cap, chasing down Kenny Dalglish's all-time record of 102, so can the left-back lead his team to a first World Cup in 28 years?
Denmark team news
Brian Riemer's team arrive at Hampden without key full-back Joakim Mæhle as well as attackers Yussuf Yurary Poulsen, Kasper Dolberg, Rasmus Højlund and Andreas Skov Olsen due to injury.
Talisman Christian Eriksen missed the reverse fixture because he was without a club at the time, but will start here, with Jonas Wind likely to lead the attack, chosen over Mika Biereth.
Denmark predicted lineup vs Scotland: (4-4-1-1): Schmeichel; Kristensen, Andersen, Christensen, Dorgu; Højbjerg, Hjulmand, Dreyer, Damsgaard; Erkisen, Højlund.
Denmark player to watch vs Scotland
Mikkel Damsgaard has been Denmark's star man in World Cup qualifying, scoring three goals so far, so can the Brentford midfield fire them to victory in Glasgow?
Scotland vs Denmark prediction
This clash at Hampden on Tuesday night is not to be missed; 860 fixtures will be played across the globe in the World Cup qualifying cycle, but few are as important as this. We are not backing Scotland to claim the win they need, forecasting that Denmark will do enough: Scotland 1-1 Denmark.
Scotland vs Denmark FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Scotland vs Denmark in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Scotland vs Denmark in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: BBC Two & BBC Scotland
- USA: Fox Sports & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Scotland vs Denmark in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Scotland vs Denmark 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 Scotland vs Denmark in World Cup qualification?
Scotland vs Denmark takes place on Tuesday 18 November 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (GMT), 14:45 (ET) & 11:45 (PT).