Scotland have received a significant boost ahead of their World Cup opener against Haiti, with Scott McTominay declared fit and available. The former Manchester United midfielder, now starring for Napoli, missed training earlier this week due to a stomach upset but returned to the pitch on Friday.
McTominay's Importance to Scotland
McTominay is considered one of Scotland's most crucial players, having won a Scudetto with Napoli and established himself as a top talent in Serie A. His importance was highlighted in November when he scored a spectacular overhead kick in a 4-2 win over Denmark, securing Scotland's first World Cup qualification since 1998.
Fears over his availability arose after he missed training in Charlotte on Thursday and travelled separately to the team's Boston hotel with a doctor as a precaution to prevent illness spreading. However, he resumed training on Friday and manager Steve Clarke confirmed: "He's perfect and ready to go."
Clarke's Squad Philosophy
Clarke downplayed reliance on McTominay, stating: "I've got 26 superstars here. To put so much on one person is not fair. We've built everything over the last seven years on the squad. We are delighted with Scott's abilities, but we need another 15 to bring the same for a positive tournament."
McTominay's return is especially welcome after Napoli teammate Billy Gilmour was ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury sustained in a warm-up win over Curacao.
Predicted Scotland XI
Gunn; Hickey, Hanley, Souttar, Robertson; Gannon-Doak, Ferguson, McTominay, McGinn; Shankland, Adams.
Match Details
The match kicks off at 2am BST on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. It will be broadcast on BBC One.
