Scotland star blocked from World Cup celebrations in dressing room after Denmark win

John McGinn’s celebrations with his Scotland teammates was disrupted at Hampden Park (SNS Group)

John McGinn was unable to join in with the World Cup celebrations alongside his Scotland teammates after their historic 4-2 win against Denmark on Tuesday night.

Scotland have qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998 after their last-gasp victory over Denmark at Hampden Park .

Steve Clarke’s side needed a win in order to avoid going through a tricky World Cup play-off campaign next year and appeared on course for a 2-2 draw with Denmark until Kieran Tierney’s brilliant strike put Scotland in front in the third minute of injury time.

Kenny McClean then sealed Scotland’s victory with a sublime goal from the halfway line to spark more jubilant scenes inside the stadium.

McGinn, meanwhile, will be a key figure in Scotland’s World Cup squad next year but the Aston Villa captain was blocked from celebrating with his teammates at Hampden Park immediately after the game.

Scotland have qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998 (SNS Group)

The 31-year-old was selected by UEFA for doping control, which meant he was forbidden to return to the dressing room until he produced a urine sample.

Players are either randomly selected or targeted by UEFA and can be tested after any match. They are chaperoned by a UEFA doping control officer until a sample is given.

Dressing room SCENES 🙌 #FIFAWorldCup | @FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/kdZ0KO0KEG — Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) November 19, 2025

McGinn posted a selfie looking less than amused from inside Hampden Park with the caption: ‘Drug test not allowed in changing room can’t write it.’

Speaking in his interview after the game, McGinn said: ‘I thought we were pretty rubbish to be honest, but who cares?’

Scotland’s players went wild inside the dressing room (Instagram)

John McGinn was pulled for doping control immediately after the match (Instagram)

‘To get over the line was such an amazing feeling. The gaffer’s team talk was exceptional.

‘It’s a privilege every time we meet up. It’s just humble guys wanting to do well for their country. We left everything out there.

‘You think that’s it… glorious failure, another blow. I was thinking about the play-offs in the 91st minute. But then what a hit from KT… I will never feel like that in a football stadium ever again.’

Scotland are in Pot 3 for the World Cup draw, which takes place on December 5.