Denmark and Scotland start their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaigns at Parken on Friday as part of a group also containing Belarus and Greece.
Brian Riemer is hoping to lead the hosts to a third consecutive appearance at the finals, while Steve Clarke’s side are hoping to end their country’s absence since 1998.
Scotland last won in Denmark in 1975 and trail 11-7 in the head-to-head record between the countries, who have never shared a draw.
101GreatGoals.com brings you the line-ups from Denmark vs Scotland, as well as details on how to watch the game.
🇩🇰🏴#DENSCO pic.twitter.com/HFbiLoy17m
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) September 5, 2025
Denmark lineup vs Scotland
Kasper Schmeichel, who won a Scottish treble with Celtic last season, is in goal for Denmark, whose squad also features 10 Premier League players.
Their bench includes Manchester United wideman Patrick Dorgu and forward Rasmus Hojlund, who is on loan to Napoli.
Denmark starting XI: Schmeichel, Kristensen, Andersen, Christensen, Maehle, Dreyer, Hojbjerg, Hjulmand, Damsgaard, Dolberg, Biereth
Denmark substitutes: Hermansen, Jorgensen, Vestergaard, Hogsberg, O’Riley, Osula, Hojlund, Gronbaek, Skov Olsen, Froholdt, Dorgu, Gaaei
Scotland lineup vs Denmark
Celtic full-backs Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston withdrew from the squad with knocks, with Sassuolo’s Josh Doig called up as cover.
Brentford’s Aaron Hickey, 23 returns after an absence of almost two years following hamstring problems.
Scotland starting XI: Gunn, Hickey, Souttar, Hanley, Robertson, Hanley, McGinn, McTominay, Christie, Adams, Ferguson, Dykes
Scotland substitutes: Kelly, Clark, Doig, Gilmour, Hendry, Miller, McKenna, Gannon-Doak, Hirst, Bowie, Johnston, McLean
How to watch Denmark vs Scotland: Live stream, TV channel
Kick-off on Friday is at 19:45 BST (14:45 ET / 11:45 PT), with live coverage in the UK on BBC Two and BBC Scotland.
Fans can live-stream the action via the BBC iPlayer app or the BBC Sport website.
Full Scotland squad for September 2025 World Cup qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Zander Clark, Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly
Defenders: Josh Doig, Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Dom Hyam, Max Johnston, Scott McKenna, Andy Robertson, John Souttar
Midfielders: Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson, Ben Gannon Doak, Billy Gilmour, John McGinn, Kenny McLean, Scott McTominay, Lennon Miller
Forwards: Che Adams, Kieron Bowie, Lyndon Dykes, George Hirst Ipswich Town
Scotland football team World Cup qualifying fixtures
All fixtures start at 19:45 UK time (14:45 ET / 11:45 PT) unless otherwise stated.
Friday, September 5: Denmark vs Scotland
Monday, September 8: Belarus vs Scotland
Thursday, October 9: Scotland vs Greece
Sunday, October 12: Scotland vs Belarus (17:00)
Saturday, November 15: Greece vs Scotland
Tuesday, November 18: Scotland vs Denmark
Scotland games: What happens if they top group?
The top team from each of the 12 European Qualifier groups proceeds automatically to the finals, which will be expanded to 48 teams.
England, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Portugal, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, France and Croatia are among the favourites to win their groups.
What happens if Scotland finish second in World Cup qualifiers?
Scotland will be eliminated if they finish third or below and enter the play-offs between March 26-31 2026 if they come second.
The 12 runners-up in each group will join four Nations League teams in the play-offs, which will be drawn from pots based on teams’ records during the campaign. The games will comprise single-leg semi-finals and finals.
The draw for the World Cup finals will take place in December 2025. The tournament runs from June 11 until July 19 2026.
