Rasmus Hojlund is Denmark’s top scorer from their ongoing qualifying campaign, after missing out on securing an automatic place at the 2026 World Cup.

Denmark were sensationally defeated in their final group stage match of the qualification phase, with Scott McTominay scoring an incredible bicycle kick in Scotland’s dramatic 4-2 win.

It was a winner-takes-all match as Denmark finished as runners-up in Group C, although a draw against Scotland would have been enough to see them top the group. Now the Danes must compete for the remaining four European places at the World Cup.

mail iconJoin our newsletter for news & smart analysis.

Former United striker Rasmus Hojlund made it 1-1 from the penalty spot before the hour mark, but Lawrence Shankland made it 2-1. That prompted an equaliser from Patrick Dorgu before Scotland scored twice in stoppage time.

Denmark will find out who they will face in the play-off semi-finals on Thursday.

Rasmus Hojlund scoring against Scotland

Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesRasmus Hojlund level on goals scored with Kylian Mbappe

Denmark will be disappointed not to have secured an automatic qualification spot for the 2026 World Cup.

After qualifying for six World Cups in the past, players like former United midfielder Christian Eriksen will be hoping to compete in at least one more before hanging up his boots for retirement.

Hojlund is one of the players Denmark manager Brian Riemer will be relying on to help them come through the play-offs successfully, especially after scoring more goals than any of his other players in the qualifying phase.

With his latest goal coming against Scotland, Hojlund is level with France superstar Kylian Mbappe on five goals during the qualifiers. The United loanee, currently playing for Napoli, could surpass the Real Madrid forward if he scores in the play-offs.

✅ 2026 World Cup Qualifying Goals (Updated)

Player Country Total Apps Goals Scored Kylian Mbappé 🇫🇷 France 6 5 Rasmus Højlund 🇩🇰 Denmark 6 5

Cristiano Ronaldo also scored five goals as Portugal qualified for the World Cup, but the November international break was full of controversy for the former United ace after his red card against the Republic of Ireland.

Man City’s Erling Haaland tops the charts with 16 goals, while Memphis Depay is joint-second with eight goals to his name for the Netherlands.

Who should start as striker for Man Utd with Benjamin Sesko injured?

Rasmus Hojlund sends classy message to Scott McTominay

Despite the disappointment that came for Denmark after losing to Scotland, Hojlund showed his class with a message for his teammate McTominay, with whom he became close at Old Trafford.

McTominay shared a picture of his sublime bicycle kick on Instagram, prompting a comment from Hojlund.

Hojlund was quick to congratulate McTominay, writing: “Congrats mate. Well done.”

The win for Scotland saw them qualify for their first World Cup since 1998.

Share.

Comments are closed.