Scotland Aims To Exit World Cup Group At All Costs, McTominay Says

Scotland return to the 2026 World Cup after 28 years, and Scott McTominay says the priority is simple. The Napoli midfielder stresses that Scotland must reach the knockout rounds, with players focused on mentality as they prepare for a demanding Group C schedule across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Steve Clarke’s squad qualified impressively, finishing above Denmark to top their group. Scotland earned 13 points from a possible 18 against Denmark, Greece and Belarus. That record secured direct entry to the World Cup finals and increased belief within the camp that this group can compete with leading nations.

Scotland start their World Cup campaign against Haiti on 13 June. The second group match comes against Morocco, before a final Group C fixture versus World Cup record winners Brazil. The top two teams advance automatically, while the best eight third-placed sides also move into the round of 32.

Clarke’s side know the margins will be tight in such a format, which adds pressure to every group match. The expanded knockout bracket offers extra opportunity, yet also increases competition among third-placed teams. That context shapes Scotland’s approach, with preparation and mindset stressed as much as tactical planning by senior players.

McTominay, named Serie A MVP for the 2024-25 season after standout performances with Napoli, contributed two goals and one assist in qualifying. The midfielder is expected to carry major responsibility again. Leadership within a settled core, including John McGinn, Andy Robertson and Billy Gilmour, is considered vital for handling World Cup pressure.

"We want to get out of the group and take it from there, McTominay told BBC Scotland."

McTominay highlights a shift in how Scotland view themselves against elite rivals. "We have to change the mentality of the fact that we might not be top 10, 15, whatever. We need to change that mentality that we can play against anybody and do really well. That's the key message going into the World Cup, prepare yourself well and make sure we come out of the group at all costs and I feel like we are more than capable of doing that."

The midfielder also frames this World Cup as part of a long journey with familiar teammates. "We all strive towards being one of the most successful Scottish teams in history. To do it with a group of guys that you have been aroundlike John [McGinn] and Andy [Robertson] have been there for 10 yearsobviously me and Billy [Gilmour] have been six or seven years, so for us to do it all together and we have had a lot of time on the pitch together would be probably the highlight of your career."

Scotland now enter the 2026 World Cup with clear objectives, a settled leadership group and a defined mentality message from McTominay. The qualification campaign, combined with the experience of long-serving players, gives Clarke’s squad confidence that progressing from Group C is a realistic and shared target.