Kenny McLean has made it clear that he is determined to make the summer of 2026 a defining moment for Scotland as they pursue a place in the World Cup finals. The 33-year-old Norwich City midfielder has been a steadfast presence in the national team since his debut in March 2016, and he is acutely aware that time is not on his side.
Having participated in the last two European Championships—missing the postponed 2020 tournament due to injury but representing Scotland in Germany last summer—McLean is yet to experience the thrill of a World Cup. Scotland last appeared on the World Cup stage in 1998, but recent performances have reignited hopes for qualification for the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Scotland currently finds itself in a strong position in Group C. Following a 2-0 victory over Belarus in Hungary and a goalless draw against Denmark in Copenhagen, McLean, who made his 52nd appearance as a substitute in Zalaegerszeg, is eager to play a pivotal role in Scotland's quest for a long-awaited return to the World Cup.
“I think it probably means it could be my last chance,” McLean reflected. “So I’m going to try and play my part as much as I can and as much as I’m needed and wanted. Obviously, the manager (Steve Clarke) always puts a lot of trust in me and I thank him for that, and I’ll continue to try and be there and be available for him.”
With a clear understanding of the stakes involved, McLean conveyed a strong resolve to seize this opportunity. “I’m under no illusions that personally this could be my last campaign. So I’m desperate, but if it was my first or last, I would be just as desperate. We’ve done the Euros a couple of times now, and we never take that for granted. We know we have the ability and the quality to take it to the next stage and give everybody a summer to remember again.”
Currently, Scotland sits level on points with Denmark, having accumulated four points from their initial two matches. Reflecting on the campaign thus far, McLean noted, “Before these two games, you’re probably looking at four points being a decent enough camp. Obviously, going to Denmark, getting a point, and then going to Hungary, we knew how to get the job done. So four points from these two games have been really good.”
As they prepare for a crucial double-header against Greece and Belarus next month, McLean stressed the importance of maintaining their momentum. “We’ll be back to our clubs, obviously trying to stay fit and healthy, getting ourselves right for the next month. It’s a big double-header, and we’re going to need everybody.”
With two clean sheets already secured, McLean believes Scotland is laying a solid foundation for their campaign. “It’s something to build on. It’s a good start in the campaign, but there is a long way to go,” he concluded, his focus firmly on the challenges ahead.