Scotland Starts World Cup Qualifiers Against Denmark Seeking Finals Return

Scotland is embarking on its 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, aiming to end a 30-year absence from the tournament by securing a spot in the finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Led by head coach Steve Clarke, who has been praised by players like Ryan Christie for revitalizing the team, Scotland faces a challenging group with Denmark, Greece, and Belarus. Their opening match against Denmark in Copenhagen is seen as a critical test, with Denmark historically strong at home and having qualified for the last two World Cups. Despite injuries to key players Tony Ralston and Kieran Tierney, Scotland remains optimistic about their chances, viewing the qualifiers as six crucial games that could seal Clarke's legacy as one of their best managers. The campaign carries significant emotional weight for the team and the nation, as many Scottish fans under 30 have never seen their team in a World Cup. Matches will be broadcast live, including coverage by the BBC, highlighting the national importance of this qualification attempt.