The final evening of the European group stage delivered its verdict, and it will be remembered for a long time. Five selections earned their ticket to the 2026 World Cup, but only one truly lit the night alight: Scotland, heroic, stunning, almost legendary. While waiting for the play-offs in March, this final day sealed a picture that was as logical as it was spectacular.
Scotland achieves greatest achievement in modern history
Twenty-six years of frustration swept away in November. In front of a melting Hampden Park, the Tartan Army overthrew Denmark after a crazy match (4-2). In the pouring rain, Scotland first doubted, then roared, then exploded.
The moment changes? A left strike signed Kieran Tierneyex-Arsenal, fired in stoppage time to give the advantage (3-2). A missile, a collective roar, a deliverance. And as if the evening demanded its surrealist chapter, Kenny McLean lobbed Schmeichel… from midfield, a few seconds before the final whistle. A qualification snatched away, experienced, transcended. Scotland will be good at the 2026 World Cup.
Austria validates its courageous ticket
The other great popular evening communion took place in Vienna. Led by Bosnia, Austria found the resources to equalize thanks to
Gregoritschcame into play. This draw was enough to confirm the qualification of the selection of Ralf Rangnick, who finished the job in front of his audience. The Bosnians will go through the play-offs, just like the Danes, punished by Scotland.
Belgium, Spain, Switzerland: the job is done, each in their own way
Belgium needed to dissipate the storm of the last few days. Mission accomplished with a show of force: 7-0 against Liechtenstein, doubled by Doku and an evening to finally breathe. Qualification is assured, and Rudi Garcia’s team avoids disaster.
Spain suffered but locked down the essentials. The draw against Turkey (2-2) is enough for La Roja, who joins the qualifiers without shining, but without trembling either.
Switzerland finished in management. The draw in Kosovo (1-1) guarantees an undefeated first place. The Kosovars inherit the path of dams.
Romania, Denmark, Kosovo, Bosnia: the dams promise to be electric
Romania had fun (7-1), but its destiny will still go through the play-offs, thanks to its ranking in the League of Nations. With Denmark, Bosnia, Kosovo, and other big names, the fight for the last four tickets promises to be hot.
In summary: Europe now has 12 qualifiers, the groups are complete, and the evening will remain marked by a historic shock: Scotland at the World Cup, finally. Now it’s time for the March barrages, which promise to be explosive… and where Italy will be the center of all attention.
