Callum McGregor’s World Cup return would be a major boost for Scotland

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The Celtic Star

·4 Desember 2025

Callum McGregor’s World Cup return would be a major boost for Scotland

Following a disappointing Scotland campaign at Euro 2024 in Germany, the Celtic captain Callum McGregor decided to call time on his international career to focus on prolonging his playing career at Celtic…

Jack Hendry of Scotland with teammate Callum McGregor after Jamal Musiala of Germany scores his team’s second goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Germany and Scotland at Munich Football Arena on June 14, 2024. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

At the time, McGregor explained that the decision, though tough, felt like “the right one at the right time.” Calmac had represented Scotland from under-16 level all the way to senior duty, and after playing at two major tournaments (UEFA Euro 2020 and UEFA Euro 2024), he said that while representing the national side had been a dream come true — now was the moment to step away.

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McGregor’s retirement was seen as a blow to Scotland

His retirement was seen as a blow to Scotland: McGregor’s intelligence, energy and consistency in midfield had made him a key component of Steve Clarke’ squad and an important member of the Scotland manager’s core group of players.

Callum McGregor during a training session at Lesser Hampden, September 11, 2023. Photo Robert Perry

Several factors appear to have let Callum McGregor’s decision to make this call. As captain of Celtic and a near ever-present in club matches, stepping away from international duty would ease his schedule and help prolong his club career.

McGregor decided that he had given all had to give to Scotland

Having reached 63 caps and played in two major European tournaments, McGregor decided that he had given all had to give to Scotland. The demands of elite-level football, particularly with ever increasing club and national commitments, had to be considerable as the Celtic captain moved into his thirties.

Stepping away offered a chance to concentrate solely on his club duties and perhaps prolong his playing career for as long as possible.

20th June 2023; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: Euro 2024 Qualifier Football, Scotland versus Georgia; Callum McGregor of Scotland points to his team mates

At the time, those close to him and pundits suggested that McGregor’s decision made sense — albeit reluctantly, given what he meant to the national team. His retirement drew a mix of gratitude and regret from across Scottish football.

Paul Lambert reckoned that McGregor might end up regretting the decision

Supporters and former players alike acknowledged McGregor’s service; however one former Celtic captain Paul Lambert suggested that McGregor might later look back and wonder if he should have stayed on. The view that playing for your country at the World Cup Finals for any player is like winning the jackpot on best no minimum deposit casino UK and should not be passed up but should instead be grabbed with both hands.

From the perspective of his club, most Celtic supporters saw McGregor’s international retirement as a positive move — freeing him from international duty meant more consistent availability for Celtic in league and European competition, and less risk of fatigue or injury.

Callum McGregor of Scotland runs with the ball during the UEFA Nations League League B Group 1 match between Ukraine and Scotland at Stadion im Jozefa Pilsudskiego on September 27, 2022 in Krakow, Poland. (Photo by Adam Nurkiewicz/Getty Images)

Scotland comes through tough World Cup qualifying group

Meanwhile, for the Scotland national team, losing a midfield linchpin and leader cast a spotlight on the challenge of replacing not just his ability, but his experience and drive. Scotland were drawn in a tough World Cup qualifying group with Denmark and Greece the favourites to take the automatic qualification and play off spots leaving Scotland and Belarus there just to make up the numbers.

However Steve Clarke and his players had other ideas an in incredible finale Scotland defeated Denmark 4-2 at Hampden, scoring three World class goals to take Scotland to a first World Cup Finals since 1998.

Scotland’s John McGinn left, Andrew Robertson and Callum McGregor during a training session at Lesser Hampden, Monday September 11, 2023. Photo Robert Perry

And as he continues to impress for Celtic questions are now being asked if Callum McGregor should reverse his decision by accepting any invitation by Steve Clarke to rejoin the national team and play his party in the World Cup Finals in summer 2026 being played across Canada, United States and Mexico.

Callum McGregor remains an influential leader at Celtic and continues to perform at a high level. He still possesses the fitness, tactical intelligence, and temperament to contribute to the national side; his absence still leaves a void.

Senior figures in the Scottish game, while accepting his initial decision, have now suggested he might reflect and regret stepping away while others say that a sensational Scotland return remains conceivable.

Callum McGregor and Brendan Rodgers celebrate the league win. Celtic v St Mirren, Scottish Premiership,Celtic Park, 17 May 2025. Photo Robert Perry/Shutterstock

Callum McGregor himself appears cautious but has NOT ruled it out

For now at least, McGregor himself appears cautious. He has publicly refused to be drawn into talk of a Scotland recall for the World Cup, saying that he had not thought about reversing his retirement and suggesting that as things stand, his focus remains on Celtic. What he did NOT do is rule the suggestion out.

Effectively the ball is in Steve Clarke’s court. He could call the Celtic captain at any point, talk through the possibility and if there is no agreement then no-one needs to know about the conversation. If on the other hand they agree on a Calmac return for the World Cup Finals then that is a massive boost to Scotland’s prospects – the more quality Steve Clarke can take to the finals the better as Scotland look to go beyond the group stages for the first time ever.