Robertson Delivers Heartfelt Praise for Jota as Scotland Secures 2026 World Cup Spot
Andy Robertson ensured he honored his deceased former Liverpool colleague Diogo Jota following Scotland's captain role in securing their first World Cup qualification of the 21st century.
Scotland triumphed over Denmark 4–2 in what proved to be one of the most exciting matches during the November international fixtures, requiring an injury-time strike to secure their place in next summer's competition. Robertson acknowledged this represented probably his last opportunity to feature in a World Cup and admitted he had been "emotional" throughout the entire day.
Robertson and Jota were club colleagues for five years at Liverpool before Jota's untimely death last July in a vehicle collision that also claimed his brother André's life. The Scottish defender delivered a heartfelt message honoring his friend shortly after the devastating incident. Robertson disclosed that Jota remained in his thoughts during the qualification campaign.
"I couldn't stop thinking about my friend Diogo Jota today," an emotional Robertson shared with BBC Scotland. "We had countless conversations about the World Cup. He was absent from Qatar [2022 World Cup] due to injury. I was missing because Scotland didn't qualify.
"We frequently talked about what participating in this World Cup would mean and I'm certain he's somewhere looking down on me with pride tonight," Robertson continued. "He was constantly on my mind throughout the day."
BBC Scotland broadcaster and former Scotland player Neil McCann assured Robertson, "He'll [Jota] be supporting you during the World Cup next summer."
"I'm certain of that," Robertson responded.
In what became one of the most captivating matches of the November international period, Scotland earned their first World Cup berth since 1998. Robertson is now set to lead his country at next summer's global tournament.
Scotland are expected to be placed in Pot 3 along with Ecuador, Australia, Norway, Egypt, Algeria, Paraguay, Tunisia and Ivory Coast. Two additional teams will join following the completion of the playoff matches.
Scotland, together with all other qualified countries, will discover their World Cup group stage adversaries on Dec. 5.