Andy Robertson dedicates Scotland FIFA 2026 World Cup qualification to late Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota – ‘He’ll be smiling over me’
Andy Robertson dedicated Scotland’s 4-2 win over Denmark to late friend Diogo Jota. The Liverpool left-back revealed he and his clubmate talked about the upcoming World Cup together, and admitted he was “in bits” before the match at Hampden Park as he thought about Jota “all day”. Jota passed away on July 3, 2025, following a car crash in Spain with his brother Andre Silva.
Andy Robertson paid tribute to Diogo Jota in an emotional post-match interview following a historic 4-2 win over Denmark as Scotland sealed their place in the 2026 World Cup for the first time since 1998.
The Scotland captain explained he had been struggling ahead of the match as he thought and reminisced over his late friend, revealing conversations they shared about reaching the World Cup finals.
Jota passed away on July 3, 2025, after a car crash in Spain, along with his brother Andre Silva. The footballing world mourned for Jota, and Liverpool players, including Robertson, penned heartfelt messages to Jota and his brother.
“I think I’ve hid it well but, today I’ve been in bits,” Robertson said.
“I know that the age I’m at, this would be my last chance at a World Cup. I couldn’t get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head today. We spoke so much together about the World Cup. He missed out in Qatar because of injury, I missed out because Scotland never went, and we always discussed what it would be like going to this World Cup.
“I know he’ll be somewhere smiling over me tonight. I just couldn’t get out of my head all day. I was in a bit of trouble in my room earlier.”
He continued: “I think I hid it well for the boys, I’m just so glad it ended up this well.”
Robertson called Jota one of his “closest mates” and admitted that his passing is something he and his Liverpool team-mates is something they will “probably never get over”.
Jota was due to play at the 2022 World Cup with Portugal, but a calf injury in October prior to the tournament ruled him out of the showpiece in Qatar.
While paying tribute to his late friend, Robertson called the win one of the “greatest nights of my life”.
“That just sums up this squad. Never say die,” the 31-year-old added.
“We just keep going right to the end. One of the craziest games of football, we’ve certainly just put the country through it. I’m sure it’ll all be worth it. We’re going to the World Cup. I can’t believe it.”
The night began with one of the greatest goals scored in Scottish footballing history as Scott McTominay scored in fashion he is becoming accustomed to doing, with a stellar overhead kick that he somehow guided past a diving Kasper Schmeichel.
For a long time, it seemed that the Napoli midfielder’s wonder goal would be the one sending Scotland through to the World Cup finals, but shortly before the hour mark, McTominay’s Napoli team-mate Rasmus Hojlund equalised with a penalty.
As the game approached the 80th minute mark, it looked as if Scotland may have to wait until the play-offs to book their passage for next summer, but Lawrence Shankland scored a poacher’s goal at a corner to retake the lead.
Three minutes later Hampden Park was hushed as Patrick Dorgu capitalised on Scotland failing to clear their lines, and Denmark equalised for the second time.
Kieran Tierney then scored the goal of his life in stoppage time with a left-footed screamer, and Kenny McLean followed it up with a 50-yard stunner over Schmeichel’s head.
“Honestly, this group of boys, this group of staff, it’s the best group I’ve ever been involved in,” Robertson said.
“The manager’s speech before the game at the hotel was unbelievable. He obviously went through the big moments we’ve had. Serbia was one of the best nights of our life, when the world was in a dead strange place. Ukraine was one of the toughest. Then qualifying for the Euros.
“Then he said let’s make it another one, then he went into a bit about his life and honestly, the lads, we were quite emotional.
“To do it for him, to do it for all the staff, all our families, it will go down as one of the greatest nights of my life.”
Scotland will find out who they face at next year’s tournament on December 5, when the draw for the World Cup takes place.
Listen to top Radio Stations in Abia State CLICK HERE
Support Afnews Independent Journalism
At Afnews, we are dedicated to providing accurate, insightful, and timely news coverage. Our commitment to journalistic integrity ensures that you receive trustworthy information, unfiltered and unbiased. To maintain our independence and continue delivering quality content, we rely on the support of our readers.
If you value the work we do, please consider making a contribution. Your support enables us to keep bringing you the stories that matter.
Donate today and help us keep independent journalism alive. Thank you for your support!
