Scott McKenna returns to training with Scotland ahead of World Cup clash against Morocco

Scott McKenna is back on the training pitch with the Scotland squad, putting himself in contention for Friday’s World Cup Group C match against Morocco. The 29-year-old centre-back missed Scotland’s opening fixture against Haiti due to a calf issue, and his return gives head coach Steve Clarke a welcome defensive option heading into what looks like a pivotal second group game.

The match is scheduled for June 19, 2026, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. For Scotland, it represents the next step in a tournament appearance that has been 28 years in the making.

What the injury meant and why the return matters

McKenna’s calf problem kept him out of training sessions on June 10 and 11, and the team confirmed he would not be available for the Haiti game.

The Dinamo Zagreb defender has earned over 39 caps for Scotland since making his international debut in 2018. That kind of experience doesn’t sit on the bench quietly, especially in a group that also features Brazil.

Scotland’s Group C challenge

Scotland’s group includes Morocco, who reached the semi-finals of the 2022 tournament in Qatar, Brazil, and Haiti. Scotland last appeared at a World Cup in 1998, when they were eliminated in the group stage in France.

McKenna’s journey to this point has been its own story. Born on November 12, 1996, he came through the ranks at Aberdeen before earning a move to Dinamo Zagreb, where he signed a multi-year deal in July 2025.

Morocco’s tactical sophistication under Walid Regragui has been well-documented since their 2022 run. They press intelligently, transition quickly, and have attacking players capable of punishing mistakes.

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