The Deciders: Today's Three Straight Shoot-Outs for World Cup Qualification

Today, the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches a dramatic climax for three groups across Europe and North America. It’s a literal winner-takes-all scenario where two teams face off, and the victor secures the coveted automatic spot at the finals, while the other faces the dreaded playoff route.

Here is a look at the three biggest ‘straight shoot-out’ fixtures on the final day of the qualifiers.

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Scotland vs Denmark
20:45 kick-off

In a result few saw coming, Denmark’s recent slip-up against Belarus has completely blown Group C wide open and given Scotland an unexpected lifeline. Despite their own loss to Greece, Steve Clarke’s men now have their fate back in their own hands: Win, and they qualify for their first World Cup since 1998. Anything less than three points, however, and they face the nerve-shredding lottery of the playoffs.

The Tartan Army will create a cauldron of noise at a sold-out Hampden Park, and history offers a glimmer of hope. Dating back to 2004, the Danes have only secured one victory in five meetings, and Scotland won the last clash at Hampden 2-0 during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

For Denmark, who are aiming for a record third consecutive World Cup appearance, a draw is enough to top the group after their narrow one-point lead following the draw with Belarus. They will be hoping to contain any spreading of a reported sickness bug that kept key players like Rasmus Højlund and Joachim Anderson out of their last match.

The match is predicted to be a tight, tense affair, with the home crowd hoping their support can fire the Scots to a narrow victory.

Betting Odds on Bet9ja

Scotland Win: 3.40
Draw: 3.30
Denmark Win: 2.23

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Austria vs Bosnia & Herzegovina
20:45 kick-off

In Group H in Europe, it’s a high-stakes meeting where only one team will directly board the flight to North America next summer. Austria enters the match in the driving seat, with a two-point lead, meaning a draw is sufficient for Ralf Rangnick’s side to seal automatic qualification for their first World Cup since France ’98.

Austria have had a productive campaign, led by the prolific Marko Arnautovi?, who recently became his country’s all-time top scorer. They have a strong home record, winning all three home World Cup qualifiers in this group.

Bosnia & Herzegovina, however, simply must win in Vienna to leapfrog their hosts. The Golden Lilies, who appeared at the 2014 World Cup, will be desperate to avoid the playoffs – a route where they have a dismal record of losing all five previous qualification play-offs. Their win over Romania on Saturday kept their hopes alive, fueled by veteran talisman Edin Džeko.

Bosnia face a challenge with several key suspensions, including Nikola Katic, Amar Dedic, and Dzenis Burnic, which could impact their defensive structure and midfield balance against a well-organised Austrian side.

Betting Odds on Bet9ja

Austria Win: 1.37
Draw: 5.00
Bosnia Win: 8.40

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Jamaica vs Curacao
02:00 kick-off

The CONCACAF third round culminates in a fascinating Caribbean battle at the National Stadium Independence Park. This fixture is a true final: the winner gets the direct ticket to the World Cup finals.

Curacao, currently one point ahead of the Reggae Boyz, only need a draw to secure a historic first-ever World Cup qualification. They are the only unbeaten side in the group and boast the best offensive record in the qualifiers, highlighted by a massive 7-0 rout of Bermuda last time out. Their solid 2-0 victory against Jamaica in the reverse fixture will give them confidence, even with the reported absence of head coach Dick Advocaat.

Jamaica, reeling from conceding a late equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Trinidad and Tobago, must win to take the group’s top spot and avoid the uncertain fate of the inter-continental playoffs. The Reggae Boyz benefit from home advantage, which has been a fortress for them with a perfect record and zero goals conceded in their previous two home qualifiers in this round. With a squad that includes players with top-tier experience, they have the quality but will need to be at their absolute best to break down a resilient Curacao side.

Betting Odds on Bet9ja