Scott McTominay opens up on heart problem that nearly ruined his FIFA World Cup 2026
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
The Napoli midfielder received heart therapy.
A couple of days prior to Scotland’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign beginning in June, Scott McTominay said that he needed an operation to reset his heartbeat.
The Scottish Football Association explained that Scott McTominay had been suffering from a stomach bug prior to the first game against Haiti in Boston.
Scott McTominay was taken to the hospital immediately from the airport by a police escort after the team had flown from their training camp in Charlotte.
After receiving shock therapy for his heart, the 29-year-old participated in all three games as Steve Clarke’s team was eliminated in the group stage.
The Napoli midfielder missed Scotland’s first four UEFA Nations League games after undergoing corrective surgery at the beginning of the season.
Scott McTominay reveals how he underwent heart problem
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Scott McTominay has disclosed his health concerns for the first time since returning to the team ahead of the next doubleheader against North Macedonia and Switzerland.
Asked about what happened, he replied: “The sickness bug? You’re not going to say I have something to do with my heart two days before the first game of the World Cup. It’s not an ideal scenario being in the hospital two days before — well, technically 36 hours before the first game of the World Cup.”
“But you have to take the cards you’re dealt on the chin. It’s part of the game. There’s nothing I could do about it and the shock went well, I was back in normal rhythm then 24 hours later you’re playing a World Cup game.”
“The World Cup, it was difficult for me, to be honest. I had to go and get the shock on my heart. That was two days before the Haiti game.”
“You prepare so well, I was in such good condition and something like that happens. You’re thinking: ‘How has this happened to me?’ But then you have to get on with it. That’s the cards you are dealt in football.”
“Sometimes things don’t go your way and you have to continue to do your best. It’s nowhere near an excuse but it’s something you have to look back on and say: ‘Well, it’s part of the process’.”
What heart problem did Scott McTominay have?
He had mild, benign cardiac arrhythmia.
Did McTominay play in the World Cup?
Yes, he played in all three group stage games.
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