The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification journey is well underway, with nations across the globe battling for a coveted spot in the expanded 48-team tournament. The European Qualifiers are taking place from March to November 2025, with play-offs scheduled for March 2026. Sixteen slots are available for UEFA teams in the final tournament.
Denmark vs. Scotland
Denmark and Scotland faced off in a World Cup Qualifier at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on September 5, 2025. Scotland has not participated in a World Cup since 1998, so the stakes are high as they attempt to end their absence from the major tournament. Steve Clarke, Scotland's manager, is hoping his team can build on their previous 4-0 victory over Liechtenstein. However, history is not on Scotland's side, as their last win in Denmark dates back to 1975.
The match kicked off at 2:45 p.m. ET. In the UK, the match was broadcast on BBC Two and available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
Denmark's starting lineup included Kasper Schmeichel in goal and featured 10 Premier League players. Scotland's lineup included Andy Robertson as captain, along with Scott McTominay and Lewis Ferguson in midfield.
Alexander Isak's Situation
Alexander Isak, the Newcastle United forward, was named in Sweden's squad for the World Cup qualifiers despite uncertainty surrounding his club future. Isak has expressed his desire to leave Newcastle and move to Liverpool, even accusing Newcastle of breaking a promise to allow him to depart. Despite the transfer saga, Sweden's coach, Jon Dahl Tomasson, included Isak in the squad for the matches against Slovenia and Kosovo. Tomasson acknowledged Isak's situation isn't perfect, as he hasn't been training with his team, but emphasized Isak's ability to decide matches and his importance to Sweden's World Cup ambitions.
Ultimately, Isak was on the bench for Sweden's World Cup qualifying game against Slovenia on Friday. The forward recently joined Liverpool for a reported 125 million pounds ($170 million).
Other World Cup Qualifier Action
In other World Cup Qualifier matches, Slovenia faced Sweden, Switzerland hosted Kosovo, and Greece went up against Belarus.
