Hampden Park erupted in jubilation last night as Scotland secured their place at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, ending a 28-year absence from the tournament. The dramatic 4-2 victory over Denmark in their final qualifying group match sparked emotional scenes, none more so than from Scotland captain Andy Robertson.
Robertson, visibly moved by the historic achievement, revealed the profound inspiration he drew from his late former Liverpool teammate, Diogo Jota. Jota tragically passed away in a car accident earlier this year.
"I've hid it well, but today I've been in bits," Robertson confessed to BBC Sport after the match. "I know the age I'm at, this could be my last chance to go to the World Cup." He explained that the prospect of potentially missing out on the World Cup weighed heavily on him, especially given his close bond with Jota and their shared aspirations.
Robertson and Jota, who were teammates at Liverpool, had often spoken about their dreams of playing in a World Cup, a dream that Jota was denied due to injury in the previous World Cup and Robertson due to Scotland's failure to qualify. "I couldn't get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head today," Robertson shared, his voice thick with emotion. "We spoke so much together about the World Cup. He missed out in Qatar because of injury, I missed out because Scotland never went. We always discussed what it would be like going to this World Cup."
The Scotland captain admitted to being "in a bit of trouble in my room earlier" as he grappled with his emotions. Despite the internal turmoil, Robertson channeled his feelings into leading his team to a memorable victory. "I think I hid it well for the boys and I'm so glad it ended up this way," he added.
The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions for the Tartan Army. Scott McTominay's overhead kick set Scotland on their way. Goals from Lawrence Shankland, Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean sealed the victory. Despite the two equalizers from Denmark, Scotland showed resilience and determination to secure the win.
Robertson lauded the team's unwavering spirit, saying, "That just sums up this squad. Never say die, we just keep going right to the end". He also praised manager Steve Clarke's pre-match speech, which he said was "unbelievable" and left the players "quite emotional".
"I know he'll be somewhere smiling over me tonight," Robertson said of Jota, his voice filled with conviction. "I just couldn't get him out of my head all day".
Scotland's qualification marks a significant moment for the nation, ending years of disappointment and near misses. For Andy Robertson, it was a deeply personal triumph, one fueled by the memory of a dear friend and a shared dream finally realized. "This group of boys and staff, it's the best group I've ever been involved in," Robertson concluded. "To do it for him, for all the staff, all the families, it is one of the greatest nights of my life".
