In a night of high drama and historic achievement at Hampden Park, the Scotland national football team ended their 28-year World Cup exile, only for one of their key players to be barred from the immediate celebrations.
A Historic Night at Hampden
Scotland secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a breathtaking, last-gasp 4-2 victory over Denmark on Tuesday, November 19, 2025. Needing a win to avoid a tricky play-off campaign, Steve Clarke's side looked destined for a 2-2 draw until the match exploded into life during injury time.
The pivotal moment came in the 93rd minute when Kieran Tierney unleashed a brilliant strike to put Scotland ahead, sending the Hampden Park crowd into a frenzy. The victory was then sealed in spectacular fashion by Kenny McClean, who scored a sublime goal from the halfway line, sparking jubilant scenes across the stadium.
McGinn's Doping Control Ordeal
While his teammates rushed to the dressing room to begin the party, Aston Villa captain John McGinn was unable to join them. The 31-year-old midfielder, a central figure in Scotland's qualifying campaign, was selected by UEFA for mandatory post-match doping control.
This meant McGinn was forbidden from returning to the dressing room until he could produce a urine sample. Under UEFA regulations, players are either randomly selected or targeted for testing after any match and are chaperoned by a doping control officer until a sample is provided.
McGinn took to social media to express his frustration, posting a selfie from inside Hampden Park with the caption: ‘Drug test not allowed in changing room can’t write it.’ The photo showed the player looking less than amused with his situation.
An Emotional Victory Despite the Setback
Speaking after the game, McGinn reflected on the emotional rollercoaster of the match. ‘I thought we were pretty rubbish to be honest, but who cares?’ he said. ‘To get over the line was such an amazing feeling. The gaffer’s team talk was exceptional.’
He admitted to fearing another ‘glorious failure’ as the clock ticked into the 91st minute, but praised Tierney's moment of brilliance. ‘I will never feel like that in a football stadium ever again,’ McGinn added, highlighting the significance of the achievement for a squad of ‘humble guys wanting to do well for their country.’
With their place secured, Scotland will be in Pot 3 for the World Cup draw on December 5, setting the stage for their first World Cup finals appearance since 1998.
