Glasgow, Scotland – In a major setback for Scotland's hopes of automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, key midfielder Billy Gilmour has been ruled out of the crucial qualifier against Denmark. The news comes as a significant blow to manager Steve Clarke's plans ahead of the must-win match at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.
Gilmour, who plays his club football for Napoli, has been struggling with an injury that also kept him out of the recent 3-2 loss to Greece. The Scottish national team confirmed the news, stating that Clarke confirmed Gilmour would not be able to join up with the squad for tomorrow's match due to injury. Clarke himself added, "No, Billy didn't make it. He is still suffering from his injuries. Everyone else is fit and ready to go".
The absence of Gilmour is a considerable loss for Scotland. The midfielder is known for his composure on the ball, his range of passing, and his ability to dictate the tempo of the game. His creativity and work rate will be sorely missed in the heart of the Scottish midfield as they seek to break down a stubborn Danish side.
Scotland's task is clear: they must win against Denmark to secure their place at the 2026 World Cup. A draw would be enough for Denmark to qualify automatically, while Scotland would then face the uncertainty of the play-offs. This would be a historic achievement for Scotland, marking their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
Despite the setback of Gilmour's injury, there is a sense of determination within the Scotland camp. Midfielder John McGinn is calling on the Hampden crowd to create a special atmosphere, reminiscent of the unforgettable Scotland vs Italy Euro 2008 qualifier in 2007. "I was at the last big deciding game, Scotland v Italy," McGinn said. "I'll never forget it. It was under the lights at Hampden and there was the best anthem I've ever heard". He emphasized the importance of the fans' support and the team's desperation to succeed, saying, "We have felt it on special nights at Hampden and we will need that again on Tuesday. We know how special a stadium it is on nights like this and hopefully we can make it another special night".
Denmark, however, will be no easy opponent. They currently sit one point ahead of Scotland in Group C, and a draw would be enough to see them through. However, the team has been hit by a sickness bug, with Joachim Andersen and Rasmus Højlund missing their recent draw with Belarus due to illness. This may disrupt their plans and hand Scotland a slight advantage.
The match promises to be a tense and dramatic affair, with both teams knowing what is at stake. The atmosphere at Hampden Park is expected to be electric, with the Tartan Army roaring on their team. For Scotland, it is a chance to end their long wait for a World Cup appearance and write a new chapter in their footballing history.
Tickets for the game are in high demand, with prices on secondary marketplaces starting from £234. Fans are eager to witness what could be a momentous occasion for Scottish football.
The game kicks off at 2:45pm ET on Tuesday, November 18th.
