McTominay reveals he suffered heart problems at the World Cup
The Scottish midfielder Scott McTominay revealed today that, in June, two days before his team’s opening match in the 2026 World Cup against Haiti, He needed treatment to correct a cardiac arrhythmia. He required sedation, but received the approval from the doctors to play in the match, which ended with a 1-0 victory. Later he also played the 90 minutes against Morocco and Brazil.
““I had to undergo a shock to my heart.”declared the player of the Naples at a press conference on the eve of Scotland’s two Nations League games against North Macedonia (Friday) and Switzerland (Monday).
“There were two days left before the game against Haiti. You have prepared thoroughly. I was in excellent shape and suddenly something like this happens. You ask yourself, ‘Why is this happening to me?'” McTominay recalled today. “You have to move forward; that’s football, sometimes things don’t go as you expect.”
““I was 100%, but of course, being in a hospital bed two days before the first game of the World Cup, about to be put to sleep for an intervention… it’s not ideal, is it?”described the 29-year-old Scottish player.
McTominay underwent a minor cardiac ablation procedure at the beginning of September to correct a mild and benign arrhythmia, which is why he was sidelined in the previous international match window.
“Obviously, to the media, as well as family and friends who contact you after seeing news related to a heart problem, the situation seems much more serious than it is; but actually it’s a pretty simple procedure that went very, very well in Manchester,” he reassured.
“I’m much, much better than before”
The Scottish midfielder, who reappeared on October 10 (a month after the operation) with Naples, assures that he has fully recovered: “Yes, I’m fine. I feel much, much better than before. I think it was something that had to be done. In your career sometimes situations arise that can take you a little by surprise.”
McTominay is delighted to be part of the national team again. “It is the most important thing in my life and it always will be; I really want to return, prove my worth again and reach a higher level,” he stated today.
Finally, he highlighted that “For me, it’s always about coming back stronger. It doesn’t matter how well you play a game; what counts is the next game, trying your hardest, recovering well, eating properly and getting enough sleep throughout your entire career.”
Scotland occupies third place in group B1 of the Nations League, with four points after four days, three from Slovenia and eight from the leader, Switzerland.
