Denmark and Scotland start their drive for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification with a Copenhagen showdown on September 5.
Both sides are part of a four-team Group C with six qualifiers crammed in across September, October and November. Greece and Belarus complete the group.
The pair were in UEFA Nations League action back in March as Denmark missed out on a finals spot after defeat to Portugal and Scotland lost their playoff with Greece.
Denmark are looking to reach a third successive World Cup — a first for the nation — with Scotland aiming to return to the biggest global stage for the first time since 1998.
MORE: Updated list of teams qualified for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Denmark vs. Scotland lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, rosters
Denmark boss Brian Riemer has a squad packed with experience including veteran goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, defenders Jannik Vestergaard and Joachim Andersen, and captain Pierre Emile Hojbjerg.
However, there are also some big-name absences for the hosts, with Arsenal's Christian Norgaard out injured and Christian Eriksen omitted. Record appearance-maker Eriksen is currently without a club following his summer free transfer exit from Manchester United.
Rasmus Hojlund is included following his deadline-day loan move to Napoli, and he will join permanently next summer if Antonio Conte secures Champions League qualification in Naples. Hojlund may feel he has a point to prove after being moved on from Manchester United.
Denmark predicted starting lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Schmeichel (GK) — Kristensen, Vestergaard, Andersen, Dorgu — Hojbjerg, Hjulmand, O'Riley — Damsgaard, Hojlund, Dolberg
Denmark full roster
Goalkeepers: Kasper Schmeichel, Filip Jorgensen, Mads Hermansen
Defenders: Andreas Christensen, Jannik Vestergaard, Joakim Maehle, Joachim Andersen, Rasmus Kristensen, Patrick Dorgu, Lucas Hogsberg, Anton Gaaei
Midfielders: Pierre Emile Hojbjerg, Mikkel Damsgaard, Morten Hjulmand, Albert Gronbaek, Matt O'Riley, Victor Froholdt
Forwards: Rasmus Hojlund, Kasper Dolberg, Andreas Skov Olsen, Jacob Bruun Larsen, Anders Dreyer, Mika Biereth, William Osula.
Scotland boss Steve Clarke has guided the Tartan Army to back-to-back European Championships, but the World Cup is his long-term target.
Forty-two-year-old goalkeeper Craig Gordon has been left out of this squad, with Angus Gunn set to start as No.1, but his main stars are all fit. The only injury headache concerns Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston, with both defenders forced to withdraw from the quad.
Andy Robertson, John McGinn, Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour should all start in the Danish capital.
Scotland predicted starting lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Gunn (GK) — Ralston, Hanley, Souttar, Robertson — McLean, Gilmour, Christie — McGinn, Adams, McTominay
Injured: McCrorie, Forrest, Morgan, Tierney, Ralston.
Suspended: None
Scotland full roster
Goalkeepers: Angus Gunn, Zander Clark, Liam Kelly
Defenders: Andy Robertson, Grant Hanley, Scott McKenna, Jack Hendry, John Souttar, Aaron Hickey, Max Johnston, Josh Doig, Dominic Hyam
Midfielders: John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Ryan Christie, Kenny McLean, Billy Gilmour, Lewis Ferguson, Ben Doak, Lennon Miller
Forwards: Lyndon Dykes, Che Adams, George Hirst, Kieron Bowie.
Denmark vs. Scotland match details
- Date: Friday, September 5, 2025
- Kickoff time: 8:45 p.m. local / 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT / 4:45 a.m. AEST (Sep. 6)
- Location: Parken Stadium, Copenhagen (Denmark)
- Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
- Referee: Daniel Siebert (GER)