Scotland have wowed the nation and beyond with their heroics against Denmark to reach the 2026 World Cup

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has congratulated Scotland on their 2026 World Cup qualification and took the time to praise the performance against Denmark, along with Kieran Tierney’s impressive stoppage time goal.

The Celtic star was part of a late roll of the dice from Steve Clarke as Scotland searched for a crucial goal at 1-1. It was three points or bust for the home side, who knew a draw would be enough for the Danes to clinch automatic qualification.

After Lawrence Shankland’s goal reclaimed the lead, another Danish equaliser came minutes later, courtesy of Manchester United’s Patrick Dorgu.

Scotland threw everything they had at Denmark from that point, with players taking any chance that presented itself to them to shoot. The pressure eventually paid off as Tierney broke the deadlock with a superb strike in stoppage time.

The Celtic star smashed his shot in from outside the box, lifting the roof off Hampden Park. Kenny McLean then couldn’t help but try his luck as he spotted Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel outside of his area and lofted an audacious shot from his own half over the top of the Celtic shot-stopper and into the open net.

Scotland World Cup qualification praised by Keir Starmer

The celebrations are ongoing in Scotland and the praise continues to pour in from around the world. The 2026 World Cup awaits the plucky Scots, who have ended almost three decades of hurt.

Starmer took the time to applaud Scotland’s efforts during the latest Prime Minister’s Questions and gave a special shout-out to Tierney in the House of Commons.

“I'd like to start by congratulating Scotland on their magnificent victory last night, they've qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998” the Prime Minister began, which was met with raucous cheers around the chamber.

House Speaker Lindsay Hoyle joked in response: “I didn't realise you were all Scottish MPs.”

Starmer replied: "Mr Speaker, they qualified with fantastic goals, including a cracker from former Arsenal player Kieran Tierney who was always a great favourite with the fans.”

Scotland praised as World Cup place secured

The Prime Minister is a lifelong Arsenal fan and is a season ticket holder at the Emirates, so his admiration for Tierney can be expected. The whole team have stunned the world, though, and Clarke was left delighted with what he saw from his men against Denmark.

“Really simple - what a fantastic group of players. Unbelievable,” the boss told BBC Scotland. “I've said it from the very start of my time. It took me a year, maybe 18 months, to work out the best way to go forward. If I give myself a bit of credit, I chose the right way.

“We chose more caps, more experience. When you come to a night like this, when you're behind and struggling, and not sure it's going to happen, I trust my players.

“I've told them so many times, I trust them implicitly. I woke up this morning, and as a manager you normally wake up with that tight feeling in your stomach. I didn't have it this morning, and I thought 'wow, that's strange’.

“I thought there was something wrong with me! But it's because I trust my players so much.”