Scott McTominay: Scotland’s 2026 World Cup Unsung Hero | OneFootball

Scotland returns to football’s biggest stage for the first time since France ’98, and Steve Clarke will be relying on Scott McTominay to give the Tartan Army something to cheer about this summer.

Scotland is a football-mad country, but the past few decades are far removed from its glory days. From 1974 to 1990, the Scots were regular fixtures at the World Cup and featured players like Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, and Denis Law.

The Scots last made their appearance on the game’s biggest stage in 1998, and nearly 30 years later, the Tartan Army has made its return.

Known for defensive structure, tactical discipline, and a back line that stays compact and hard to break down, Scotland thrives on controlled transitions, set-piece efficiency, and a collective work rate that turns every match into a physical, hard-fought contest.

It’s what has brought the nation back to the World Cup, and it’s what manager Steve Clarke hopes will carry the his team past the group stage for the first time. Drawn into a group that could go in many directions, Scotland plays a crucial opener against Haiti in Foxborough, then will face Morocco before closing group play with a daunting clash against Brazil.

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Scotland’s hopes may hinge on how the Haiti match unfolds. It also has the luxury of playing its first two games at Gillette Stadium, so travel will not be an issue. Four points from those three matches could be enough to see Scotland through, though it won’t be easy.

One player many will look to for leadership and inspiration is Napoli’s Scott McTominay.

The Lowdown on Scott McTominay

McTominay has some old-school grit to his game, and has unsurprisingly drawn compliments from Souness, a man known for his crunching tackles and no-frills style. But at his core, McTominay is a vertical midfielder who thrives on timing and tenacity. He surges into space with long, driving strides, turning broken play into box-crashing opportunities.

His versatility makes him a key figure of whatever midfield he’s a part of, as he’s able to play on both sides of the ball with equal precision. He doesn’t shy away from contact, and in transition, he’s always in the right position, slipping into pockets of space when the opposition loses its shape.

He’s the type of box-to-box midfielder any manager would want on their club, and you have to think Manchester United are kicking themselves for selling him in 2024.

A Career Set in Old Trafford

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McTominay’s professional career began in the youth ranks of Manchester United, joining the academy at 5 years old and progressing all the way up to the first team, making his Premier League debut in 2017.

He gradually established himself during his first two full seasons before earning a regular starting role in 2019–20. McTominay would become a mainstay over the next seven seasons, making 255 appearances, scoring 29 goals, and adding eight assists.

The summer of 2024 saw him make a move to a new club for the first time in his life, and McTominay joined Serie A side Napoli, becoming the first Scot to play in the Italian top flight since Souness played with Sampdoria in 1986. The move was just what he needed, and he’s flourished with Napoli, nearly matching his goal contributions with United (24 goals, 10 assists) in a fraction of the games (72 appearances).

He has also won two titles and earned a collection of individual honors, including Serie A Most Valuable Player, Team of the Year, and Footballer of the Year for the 2024–25 season. Now in his second season with Napoli, he has primarily operated in the central midfield but can shift to either flank when needed.

A Scottish Hero in the Making

For the national team, McTominay has been a talisman, scoring what could be the greatest goal in Scotland’s history, a stunning bicycle kick in the opening minutes of a 4-2 win against Denmark that clinched a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

Elsewhere, he was the lone Scotland goalscorer at EURO 2024, and he scored seven times in the qualifying campaign for that tournament.

With 68 caps and 14 goals, he remains central to Scotland’s ambitions. His blend of defensive bite and forward thrust provides balance, allowing the team to stay compact without sacrificing a direct attacking threat.

Scotland are an experienced side, which will be crucial in navigating a World Cup in the United States. McTominay has already built a strong reputation among Manchester United and Napoli supporters, but this summer, his name could shine on an even bigger stage.