“We’re going to the World Cup. It’s not bad.”
Steve Clarke cracked more than a smile as the reality of Scotland’s achievement began to sink in following their dramatic 4-2 win over 10-man Denmark at Hampden Park.
The World Cup has been a distant dream for six coaches since Craig Brown led the national team to France in 1998.
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Scotland fans went into a state of delirium after scoring two late goals against Denmark to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
“I said at the start of the campaign that I felt some national pressure to get to the World Cup, but that pressure went away straight away and I felt a little better,” he said.
“What a fantastic group of players. They never give up.
“I’ve been saying for a long time how good they are and how determined they are to do good things for their country.
“They showed me tonight that I couldn’t be happier for the players. It’s fantastic and it feels great.
“They all gave what they had and what they could give.
“We’re going to the World Cup. It’s not bad.”
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Scotland fans went wild at Fan Park after Scott McTominay’s stunning overhead kick gave Scotland the lead against Denmark in their World Cup qualifiers.
Scott McTominay scored a stunning overhead kick early in the game and substitute Kieran Tierney produced a brilliant finish from outside the box to put Scotland 3-2 ahead in added time.
Kenny McLean scored a famous victory for Scotland when he stabbed Kasper Schmeichel on the halfway line with the last kick of the game.
For Clarke, the pain of failing to qualify for the last World Cup has been somewhat alleviated.
“When we lost to Ukraine, I spoke at length. It was one of my longest pre-game speeches or one of my longest conversations with the players,” he added.
“And we talked at length about the trip and what we did and how we felt in Serbia.
Scotland advanced to the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998.
“We drew a big sad face on the board and said how we talked about Ukraine and how we felt.
“And obviously qualifying for Euro 2024 was a very tall order.
“We talked a little about the trip and I told them to remember how we felt after Ukraine and capture those feelings.”
“I remember how bad it made me feel when I said it and I remember to make sure I cross the line the next time I get to that stage.
“Now the campaign has gone up and down.
“But we ended up getting the most points. They made the group and made me a liar because I told them at the start of the campaign that they needed 14 points to qualify. We only needed 13 points. That’s great.”
Robertson: One of the greatest nights of our lives.
Andy Robertson won his 90th cap as Scotland qualified for the World Cup finals.
Andy Robertson of BBC Sport:
“The manager’s pre-game speech at the hotel was unbelievable. He lived through the big moments we had.”
“Serbia was one of the best nights of my life when the world was in a strange place. Ukraine was one of the toughest nights. We won there and qualified for the Euros. He said, ‘Let’s make it another game.’
“He told a little about his life and the lads were very emotional. For him, all the staff and all of our family, it will go down as one of the greatest nights of our lives.”
Robertson: Jota is smiling at me tonight.
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Scotland captain Andy Robertson remembers Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota as he helped Scotland reach their first World Cup in 28 years.
Andy Robertson of BBC Sport:
“We have definitely beaten the country but I am sure it will be worth it, we will go to the World Cup!
“I knew this was my last chance to play in the World Cup.
“I couldn’t get my team-mate Diogo Jota out of my mind today. We talked a lot about the World Cup together. When he was out injured in Qatar, I missed Scotland when they didn’t play.
“We have always discussed what it would be like to participate in this World Cup. I know he will be smiling at me somewhere tonight.”
McGinn: Gaffer’s team talk was exceptional
Scott McTominay leads Scotland’s celebrations following their stunning win over Denmark.
Scotland’s John McGinn told BBC Sport:
“The coach’s team talk before we left the hotel was special. What we experienced together was amazing.
“It’s a privilege every time we get together. It’s just humble people who want to do well for their country. We’ve dropped everything. We’re going to the World Cup. It’s unbelievable!
“To be honest, I thought we were rubbish, but who cares?! Denmark moved the ball better and looked more confident despite having 10 men.
“We’ve had a lot of trauma as a Scotland team, we’ve had a lot of hits, but it’s an amazing feeling to get over that line.”
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Backpage Tonight we discuss Scotland’s stunning 4-2 win over Denmark to book their place at the 2026 World Cup.
The draw for the 2026 World Cup will be held in Washington on Friday 5 December.
President Trump will decide the schedule for the group stage together with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the John F. Kennedy Center, where President Trump is president.
Announcing the draw location at the White House in August, President Trump said the World Cup was “the biggest event in sports,” while President Infantino declared that the 104 games would be like “104 Super Bowls.”
The draw will take place from 12pm local time (5pm UK time).
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Luke Shanley gives his thoughts after Scotland beat Denmark to qualify for the World Cup.
The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
This competition will be the 23rd.
