Scotland’s long-awaited return to the World Cup stage unfolded in unforgettable fashion on Tuesday night, yet one of the nation’s most influential figures found himself celebrating from a corridor rather than the dressing room.
John McGinn, the midfield powerhouse who helped drive Scotland to a dramatic 4-2 victory over Denmark at Hampden Park, was barred from the festivities after being selected for a post-match drugs test.
The triumph, which confirmed Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup and ended a 28-year wait for a place at the finals, delivered all the ingredients of a footballing classic.
Scott McTominay’s bicycle kick, a blistering long-range strike from Kieran Tierney, a Danish red card and a halfway-line wonder goal from Kenny McLean triggered euphoric scenes among fans who have endured decades of near-misses.
Players raced towards the Tartan Army, and Hampden rocked with the promise of a summer to remember in 2026.
But while the squad poured into the dressing room to celebrate, the Aston Villa star was diverted by UEFA officials enforcing routine anti-doping checks, which require selected players to provide blood and urine samples after the final whistle.
The 31-year-old was chosen at random and, with brutal timing, found himself missing the jubilant post-match chaos.
Scotland beat Denmark 4-2 to book their place at the 2026 World Cup
|PA
Denied the chance to join in the immediate celebrations, McGinn still managed to turn his frustration into humour.
He posted a selfie to Instagram wearing a mock-sombre expression as he waited to complete the tests, captioned: “Drug test, not allowed in the changing room, can’t write it,” alongside a laughing emoji.
Moments earlier he had appeared live on the BBC, where he offered a knowing nod to his impending appointment with the medical team.
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Scotland’s long-awaited return to the World Cup stage unfolded in unforgettable fashion on Tuesday night, yet one of the nation’s most influential figures found himself celebrating from a corridor rather than the dressing room
|Asked by presenter Kelly Cates about next summer’s tournament, he shrugged: “Well I’m drug testing, it’s always me. I must have a look about me.”
Once cleared, the midfielder eventually rejoined the celebrations, swapping shirts and draping himself in a Scottish flag while saluting fans who had waited nearly three decades to witness such a moment.
His late arrival did little to dampen the mood, and he was soon seen on the pitch alongside his teammates, basking in the achievement.
Scotland boss Steve Clarke, meanwhile, expressed his pride after the Tartan Army booked their place in next summer's showpiece competition.
"We've been on a journey," he added. "I spoke to them about it pre-match, about how this is the opportunity we've waited for. What a night, eh?
"We've been close to the World Cup before. When you look back at the Ukraine game, we probably froze on the day. We didn't play with that freedom.
John McGinn was jubilant after Scotland qualified for the 2026 World Cup
|PA
"We qualified for the Euros, got to a play-off, qualified for a Euros.
"This was the chance. One game. This was like a play-off final. We put everything on the line.
"There's always one last step, and it's always the hardest. To put their mind at ease, make them comfortable, make them know they could handle the occasion.
"Some moments in the game went in our favour.
"We went 2-1 up against 10 men, but conceded and we thought 'what are we doing?'
"But that's the Scotland way."