Spain drew 2-2 with Turkey and secured direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico by finishing first in Group E. In Group C, Scotland pulled off a stunning upset, beating Denmark 4-2 in stoppage time to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, since their last appearance in 1998. Switzerland in Group B, Austria in Group H, and Belgium in Group J also secured their direct spots in next year's June World Cup. Luis de la Fuente's team needed to avoid an unlikely heavy defeat to avoid the playoffs. Obliged to win, they took the lead with an early goal from Scott McTominay, though Rasmus Hojlund turned the tide with a penalty. Lawrence Shankland reignited the home team's hopes, Patrick Dorgu equalized again, and with Denmark heading to the World Cup until the 93rd minute, Kieran Tierney restored the lead. Hans Vanaken opened the scoring, and Jeremy Doku scored twice, as did Brandon Mechele and Alexis Saelemaekers.
