UEFA Nations League, League B 5ScotlandSCO 2 1 Full Time FYR MacedoniaMAC Venue Hampden Park Stadium Referee Michal OcenasJohn McGinn 54John McGinn 74 (Pen) Elmin Rastoder 57John McGinn called on Scotland to show more belief after his double gave them a 2-1 UEFA Nations League win over North Macedonia.Sebastien Pognocolis men were made to work hard for the points in the Group B1 clash, though the victory keeps their hopes of a promotion play-off place alive.After an underwhelming first half, McGinn gave Scotland the lead in the 54th minute, surging into the box and firing home after good work from Che Adams in battling for a long ball.However, the lead did not last long, Elmin Rastoders near-post header levelling matters at Hampden Park as Scotland were punished for poor defending at a corner.But McGinns 74th-minute penalty secured victory after North Macedonia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski was adjudged to have fouled Ben Gannon-Doak following a VAR check.Scotland are a point behind second-placed Slovenia, who have the edge on head-to-head record, in the group and will need to beat Switzerland and a get a favour from North Macedonia to earn a place in the promotion play-offs. But McGinn is thinking bigger picture as Scotland build towards the Euro 2028 qualifiers, which begin next March.He told BBC Scotland: A wee bit [like hard work], were playing a very different style.It reminds me of my club team [Aston Villa] at the start of the season, its important we just stick together.We have got the Nations League to use as a building block towards qualifiersAt times it wasnt pretty, but it was an important one. [We need to show] a bit more belief. Scotland FYR Macedonia 2 Goals 1 3.4 xG 0.33 54% Possession 46% 18 Total Shots 7 6 Shots on Target 2 7 Shots off Target 4 9 Corners 5 16 Fouls 11 1 Offsides 0 1 Yellow Cards 0 1 Saves 5 459 Passes 392 376 Passes Completed 302 82% Pass Accuracy 77% Home Away The UEFA Nations League Table UEFA Nations League 2026 World League B Group A #TeamPlayedWonDrawnLostGFGAGDPtsLast 4 1 Switzerland44001111012 D W W W 2 Slovenia42115327 D W L W 3 Scotland411235-24 W L W L 4 FYR Macedonia4004010-100 L L L L Position 1 : Promotion Position 2 : Promotion Play-offs Position 4 : Relegation Playoffs Upcoming fixtures for Scotland and North Macedonia Upcoming Fixtures : Scotland UEFA Nations League Switzerland SUI 19:45 2026-11-16 Scotland SCO Upcoming Fixtures : FYR Macedonia UEFA Nations League FYR Macedonia MAC 19:45 2026-11-16 Slovenia SLO Topics North Macedonia National Football Team Scotland National Football Team UEFA Nations League If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Serbia 1-3 Germany: Klopps men keep hopes alive as nine-man hosts relegated Nicholas McGee 13th November, 2026 Netherlands 7-0 Greece: Oranje all but secure quarter-final spot Nicholas McGee 13th November, 2026 Scotland v North Macedonia: Confirmed line-ups as Pognocolis men aim to keep promotion hopes alive Nicholas McGee 13th November, 2026 Serbia v Germany: Confirmed line-ups as Klopps men eye boost in bid for Nations League knockouts Nicholas McGee 13th November, 2026 Netherlands v Greece: Confirmed line-ups as surprise package seek Nations League progression Nicholas McGee 13th November, 2026 Scotland v North Macedonia: Preview, expected line-ups and where to watch Jon Fisher 12th November, 2026
