Scotland vs Denmark tips and predictions: World Cup awaits the winner

It’s the final match of World Cup 2026 qualifying Group C. Scotland begin in second place, a point behind opponents and current pool leaders Denmark. 

A win or a draw would see the Danes progress to next summer’s tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Scotland knew only a victory would secure their place, dumping their opponents into the playoffs. It’s an all-or-nothing match at Hampden Park.

Love football? Find the best football betting sites and bet with welcome bonuses today.

Scotland state of play 

Scotland enter with Group C stats of three wins, one draw, and a defeat. They defeated Belarus twice and Greece once.

Scotland took a point from Denmark, but suffered their only loss last time out. Steve Clarke’s side fought back from 3-0 down to lose 3-2 in Athens.

Here's more: Can Hearts topple Celtic's dominance? This is what the bookmakers have to say!

The hosts were disappointed not to take something from Greece at the weekend, but now three points at Hampden would nudge them through.

The locals won 2-0 when Denmark were last in town, and have won their last three games when hosting the Red and Whites.

Denmark state of play

Denmark step into matchday six sitting pretty top of the group. The visitors have won three and drawn two so far, ending goalless at home to Scotland in the opener, before scrapping to a disappointing level finish with bottom club Belarus last time. Can they bounce back?

Denmark have scored 14 goals, four more than their hosts, and conceded three, two fewer than Scotland.

That’s impressive, but it’s worth knowing that the point won by Belarus on Saturday got the bottom club off the mark after suffering four defeats on the bounce.

Key talking point: The winner takes it all

This is a must win for Scotland. The locals know anything less than three points would send them skidding into the playoffs. 

If the Scots were to finish in second position, they face a daunting draw that looks more difficult than Group C. Everyone connected to the home side wants to avoid the lottery of the playoffs at all costs.

The head-to-head stats show there’s very little between these nations, meaning we’re guaranteed another competitive 90 minutes. 

Betting on under 2.5 goals would’ve earned you a profit in each of the previous four meetings, a run stretching back to March 2016. The same bet would’ve landed in nine of the last 10. That’s one for followers of the trends.

READ: Who are the favourites for the 2026 World Cup? Check out the favourites and value picks

With the Tartan Army out in force, I’m siding with a narrow home win. You can follow my thinking and back Scotland at 9/4. That makes more appeal than Denmark at 6/5 or playing another level finish at 12/5 with Coral.

There’s enough in Scotland’s price to back them as a single, but they’ll do a job in your midweek accumulators. Everyone inside Hampden will be willing their favourites through to a first World Cup finals since 1998, and I’m confident the fans will get their wish.

FIRST.com’s top tip - Scotland vs Denmark

Pick: Scotland win @ 9/4 (Coral)

With the Tartan Army out in force, I’m siding with a narrow home win. You can follow my thinking and back Scotland at 9/4. That makes more appeal than Denmark at 6/5 or playing another level finish at 12/5. 

There’s enough in Scotland’s price to back them as a single, but they’ll do a job in your midweek accumulators. Everyone inside Hampden will be willing their favourites through to a first World Cup finals since 1998, and I’m confident the fans will get their wish.

Extra tips

Picking no from the both teams to score market would’ve banked you a profit in each of the previous four meetings.

Pick: No both teams to score @ 17/20 (William Hill)

Pick: Scotland win to nil @ 4/1 (William Hill)

Fancy aiming for a higher price? Try adding both selections together with William Hill. 

Team news

Steve Clarke has a problem to solve with goalkeeper Angus Gunn injured. Will he use the experienced Craig Gordon, who conceded three goals but made some important stops?

We’re getting reports of a sickness bug in the Denmark camp that could rule out several key players. Striker William Osula is also struggling with an ankle knock.

Scotland vs Denmark predicted line-ups

Scotland: Gordon, Hickey, Hanley, Souttar, Robertson, Gilmour, McLean, Christie, McGinn, McTominay, Adams. (4-2-3-1)

Denmark: Schmeichel, Kristensen, Andersen, Christensen, Maehle, Dreyer, Hojbjerg, Hjulmand, Damsgaard, Dolberg, Hojlund. (4-3-3)

Form guide (all competitions)

Scotland: LWWWDWLLWW 

Denmark: DWWWDWWLWD

Responsible gambling with FIRST.com 

You must be 18+ to gamble. Gambling is a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. Our tips and advice help you enjoy gambling, but there is always a chance a bet or casino game can lose.

Never bet more than you can afford to lose. Stop betting if you are angry, emotional or under the influence of alcohol.

Warning signs of problem gambling: chasing losses, betting money needed for bills, or feeling unable to stop.

Need help? Visit our responsible sports betting page or our responsible casino gambling page, or contact the support organisations listed below if you're struggling to control your gambling:

Gamblers Anonymous UK

BeGambleAware

GAMSTOP

National Gambling Support Network

Gamcare

NHS National Gambling Clinic

Odds correct at the time of writing.