Scotland’s Kenny McLean Targets Knockout Stage at World Cup 2026
Scotland, led by midfielder Kenny McLean, is heading to the World Cup 2026 with a clear goal: reach the knockout stage, not just enjoy a comeback after a long absence. McLean’s standout halfway-line goal helped secure qualification, ending Scotland’s 28-year World Cup drought.
Scotland qualified for the World Cup on November 18, 2025, beating Denmark 4-2 in a playoff. Scott McTominay and Kieran Tierney scored, but McLean’s injury-time strike became the defining moment of the campaign.
The group stage focus is especially urgent because Scotland has never advanced past it in eight previous World Cup appearances dating back to 1954. McLean has pointed to a balanced squad—experienced Europe-based talent such as McTominay, defensive stability from Tierney, and his own match-winning contribution—as key to changing that pattern.
McLean also believes the expanded World Cup format can help. The 2026 tournament will feature 48 teams (up from 32), with a redesigned structure that increases the odds of progressing from the group stage.
As of May 2026, knockout qualification remains the primary target for Scotland.
Neutral
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