Aston Villa captain John McGinn has led Scotland to the 2026 World Cup after a breathtaking late victory against Denmark sealed their place in next summer's tournament.
Dramatic Finish Seals Historic Qualification
In a nail-biting encounter at a packed Hampden Park, Steve Clarke's side secured their passage to America with two dramatic added-time goals. The match appeared destined for the play-offs until Kieran Tierney curled a spectacular effort into the far corner from the edge of the box in the 91st minute.
Kenny McLean then sealed the historic 3-2 victory, sparking wild celebrations among the Tartan Army. The Scots had taken the lead through Scott McTominay's remarkable overhead kick, only to be pegged back twice by a determined Danish side before their late heroics.
McGinn's Candid Assessment
Despite the euphoric outcome, Villa skipper McGinn provided a brutally honest assessment of the performance. "I thought we were pretty rubbish to be honest, but who cares?" the midfielder declared after the final whistle.
McGinn, who played the entire match, revealed his mindset during the tense closing stages: "You think that's it - glorious failure, another blow. I was thinking about the play-offs in the 91st minute. But then what a hit from KT - I will never feel like that in a football stadium ever again."
Team Spirit Triumphs Over Performance
The Scotland captain emphasised the collective spirit that ultimately carried his team over the line. "To get over the line was such an amazing feeling," McGinn explained. "The gaffer's team talk was exceptional. It's a privilege every time we meet up. It's just humble guys wanting to do well for their country. We left everything out there."
McGinn had previously described Scotland's qualifying campaign performances as "jobby" earlier in the process, but the final result rendered any stylistic concerns irrelevant. The victory marks Scotland's return to world football's biggest stage, with McGinn now set to lead his country at the 2026 tournament in America.
