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World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Scotland And Austria End 28-Year Wait As Spain Secures Their Spots
Austria and Scotland returned to football’s biggest stage for the first time since 1998, Spain survived a scare at home, Switzerland maintained their impressive consistency, and Belgium produced a stylish statement to book their place at the 2026 tournament.
Below is a full breakdown of all the key matches and storylines.
Scotland Returns to the World Cup After 28 Years
For the first time since 1998, Scotland will play at a World Cup finals, and they secured it in the most Scottish way possible late drama, emotional chaos, and two stoppage-time wonder goals in a memorable 4–2 win over Denmark at Hampden Park.
A Dream Start
Hampden erupted just three minutes in when Scott McTominay produced one of the goals of qualifying a stunning overhead kick.
But Denmark, determined to spoil the party, struck back before the hour mark with a composed Rasmus Højlund penalty. The visitors’ hopes dimmed shortly after when Rasmus Kristensen received his marching orders, reducing Denmark to 10 men.
Lawrence Shankland looked to have settled it, poking Scotland ahead and seemingly booking their flight to North America. Yet, heartbreak arrived moments later when Patrick Dorgu levelled, silencing the stadium.
The dream felt like it was slipping. But Scotland doesn’t do quiet finishes.
In the third minute of added time, Kieran Tierney unleashed a thunderous strike from distance, restoring Scotland’s lead. Seconds later, Kenny McLean completed the miracle with an astonishing effort from near the halfway line, sending Hampden into total pandemonium.
Austria ends 28-Year Wait for a World Cup Return
Austria completed their long-awaited return to the World Cup after a gritty 1–1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Vienna. Ralf Rangnick’s side needed at least a point to guarantee top spot in Group H and they delivered, though not without tension.
A Nervy Night in Vienna
Bosnia struck first in the 12th minute when Haris Tabaković, in outstanding form, headed home from close range to record his third goal in three qualifiers. With Bosnia needing a win to leapfrog Austria and secure direct qualification, the atmosphere quickly shifted.
Austria thought they had equalised on the stroke of half-time when Konrad Laimer tapped in, but VAR intervened, ruling the goal out for a foul.
Pressure mounted throughout the second half as Bosnia retreated into a deep defensive block, content to soak up waves of Austrian attacks.
Gregoritsch Delivers a Historic Goal
With time running down, Michael Gregoritsch became Austria’s hero. Marcel Sabitzer’s cross deflected off the post and fell invitingly into the striker’s path, allowing him to smash home his 23rd international goal arguably the most important of his career.
The equaliser in the 77th minute secured Austia’s first World Cup appearance since 1998 and capped off a resilient qualifying campaign.
Bosnia’s second-place finish sends them into the playoffs in March, where they will battle for one of the remaining European spots at the expanded 2026 World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Spain Survives a Scare to Remain Unbeaten in Group E
Spain’s perfect run nearly came undone in Seville as Turkey produced one of their most impressive performances of the campaign in a thrilling 2–2 draw.
A Fast Start but Shaky Middle
Dani Olmo put Spain ahead just four minutes in, raising expectations for a comfortable evening. But Turkey, knowing they needed a near-impossible seven-goal win to claim the top spot, showed real fighting spirit.
Deniz Gul equalised in the 42nd minute, and moments into the second half, Salih Özcan stunned the home crowd with a powerful strike from the edge of the box to give Turkey a shock 2–1 lead.
Oyarzabal to the Rescue
Spain avoided what would have been their first home defeat in a World Cup qualifier when Mikel Oyarzabal levelled the match eight minutes later. Though Spain finished unbeaten, the performance left room for reflection.
“We didn’t celebrate as euphorically as we would have liked,” Olmo told TVE.
“We wanted to finish with another win and another clean sheet. It’s a bittersweet feeling … But we’re happy to have qualified for the World Cup.”
Turkey, meanwhile, heads for the playoffs in March.
Switzerland Edges Through After Tight Draw With Kosovo
Switzerland booked their World Cup ticket despite being held to a 1–1 draw by Kosovo in Pristina a result that maintained their unbeaten record in Group B.
After a cagey first half, Ruben Vargas struck just 90 seconds into the second period, slotting past Arijanet Murić after a clever through-ball from Djibril Sow.
Kosovo equalised in the 74th minute thanks to a moment of brilliance from Florent Muslija, who curled a superb effort into the top corner from outside the box. Driven forward by a passionate home crowd, Kosovo pushed for a late winner, but Gregor Kobel stood firm.
The Switzerland captain, Granit Xhaka, said, “It was important for us that the Kosovars didn’t carry their euphoria into the game,” he said.
“We can be proud of ourselves. It’s not to be taken for granted that we’ve qualified for a major tournament eight times in a row. I’m just happy.”
Kosovo’s second-place finish earned them a well-deserved spot in the European playoffs as they chase a first-ever World Cup appearance.
Belgium Flexes Muscle With Rout of Liechtenstein
Belgium left no room for doubt regarding their qualification credentials after thrashing Liechtenstein 7–0 in Brussels, sealing top spot in Group J.
A Ruthless Display
Jérémy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere each bagged a brace. Hans Vanaken, Brandon Mechele, and Alexis Saelemaekers completed the scoring as Belgium netted four goals in a blistering seven-minute spell in the second half.
Belgium finished the group with 18 points, two more than Wales, continuing their tradition of reliably reaching major tournaments. Next year will mark their 15th appearance at the World Cup finals.
Liechtenstein, by contrast, endured a difficult campaign, finishing without a single goal the only European nation to do so.
