Match Context
- Fixture: Scotland vs North Macedonia
- Date: 13/11/26
Scott McTominay has opened up about a medical emergency that occurred during the World Cup, revealing he required treatment for an irregular heartbeat only 48 hours before Scotland’s 1-0 opening victory against Haiti in Massachusetts. The 29-year-old midfielder, formerly of Manchester United, explained that he was placed under anesthesia to correct the rhythm before being cleared to compete. It was two days before the Haiti game. But obviously, whenever you’re sat in a hospital bed two days before the first game of the World Cup about to get put to sleep, it’s not ideal, is it, i was 100% [fit].
Despite the high-stakes timing, the player featured for the full 90 minutes in that opening win and subsequently played the duration of matches against Morocco and Brazil. Reflecting on the sudden ordeal, McTominay admitted the situation was unsettling. He noted the difficulty of preparing diligently only to be confronted with a health issue, questioning how such a turn of events could occur given his peak physical condition at the time. I had to go and get the shock on my heart,” revealed the former Manchester United player, who also played 90 minutes in the losses to Morocco and Brazil. I was in such good condition and then something like that happens. You’re thinking, ‘how is this happening to me.
Following his return to club football with Napoli, where he has been active in both domestic and Champions League fixtures, McTominay underwent a further, successful ablation procedure in Manchester.
This minimally invasive operation was conducted to resolve the heart rhythm issue definitively. He described the procedure as straightforward and expressed relief that it has been resolved, noting that the reality was much less severe than the reports received by concerned friends and family. Sometimes, things don’t go your way.
McTominay acknowledged the mental and physical resilience required to navigate such an experience in professional football. While he missed the opening four Nations League fixtures for Scotland, he has now been recalled to the squad under manager Sebastien Pocognoli. Scotland is currently preparing to host North Macedonia this Friday before traveling to face Switzerland on the following Monday.
The midfielder remains focused on his future performance, emphasizing the importance of rigorous recovery and discipline.
He stated that his primary goal is to return to the pitch at a higher level, viewing the experience as a reminder of the unpredictability inherent in a professional career.
McTominay stressed that his focus is always on the next challenge and the necessity of maintaining a disciplined lifestyle regarding nutrition and sleep to ensure sustained health and performance throughout his career.
- It’s always about coming back stronger, mcTominay added: “For me.
