Scotland 2-1 North Macedonia: McGinn 54, 74 pen; Rastoder 57
John McGinn scored twice as Sebastien Pocognoli secured his first home victory as Scotland manager with a 2-1 win at Hampden Park. The Aston Villa midfielder had to rescue his side after North Macedonia punished their defensive lapses shortly after his opening goal.
The evening also marked an important milestone for Andy Robertson. The Scotland captain won his 102nd cap to draw level with Kenny Dalglish at the top of the country’s appearance list. He is now one game away from becoming Scotland’s most-capped player.
One more to go 🔜 🧢
#SCOMKD https://t.co/nFo4xvFner
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) November 13, 2026
Pocognoli made three changes to his defence, with Luke Graham handed his first start alongside Ryan Porteous and Kieran Tierney. Scott McTominay also returned to the starting side after his recent heart problem, and Che Adams was available again after missing the previous international camp.
Scotland struggled to find their rhythm in the opening stages. McTominay came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half, but Stole Dimitrievski produced a good save to turn his effort behind.
Adams also tested the visiting goalkeeper with a header that took a deflection, but Scotland lacked the quality to make their pressure count. McTominay tried an overhead kick in the 34th minute, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.
The hosts received a reminder of their attacking problems immediately after the restart. Adams got behind the North Macedonia defence and pulled the ball back into the penalty area. Billy Gilmour found himself with an open goal from close range but somehow lifted his shot over the crossbar.
Scotland eventually took the lead in the 54th minute. Ryan Porteous sent a long ball forward from near the halfway line, and Adams managed to find McGinn after getting the better of the visiting defence. The midfielder made no mistake with his finish to give the hosts a deserved advantage.
Their lead lasted only three minutes. North Macedonia won a corner through Enis Bardhi, whose delivery found Elmin Rastoder at the near post. The striker got ahead of McTominay and directed his header past Angus Gunn to bring the visitors level.
Scotland continued to have more possession but struggled to turn it into clear chances. Pocognoli introduced Oli McBurnie for Adams, and the substitute soon helped create an opportunity for Ben Gannon-Doak.
The Bournemouth winger tried to take the ball past Dimitrievski, who brought him down inside the penalty area. The referee initially allowed play to continue but awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review.
McGinn stepped up in the 73rd minute and sent Dimitrievski the wrong way to restore Scotland’s lead. His second goal of the evening also took his international tally to 24, drawing him level with Hughie Gallacher in third place on Scotland’s all-time scoring list.
The result gives Scotland seven points from five matches, one behind Slovenia in second place. Switzerland have already secured top spot in the group after their goalless draw with Slovenia.
Scotland must now travel to St Gallen on Monday for a difficult final fixture against the group leaders. Slovenia face North Macedonia, who have yet to collect a point, and remain favourites to hold on to second place. So Scotland need a strong result against Switzerland and for things to go their way elsewhere if they are to secure the runners-up position and a place in the promotion play-offs.
