James McAvoy and Martin Compston lead celeb reactions to Scotland reaching World Cup

A host of celebrities joined the Tartan Army and football fans across Scotland in celebrating the national team’s first qualification for the World Cup in 28 years.

Steve Clarke and his men secured their place at next summer’s tournament in North America with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Denmark on Tuesday night.

Famous faces from the worlds of film, music, politics and sport took to social media to post their delight that Scotland would be back on the biggest stage for the first time in 28 years.

Goals from Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland, Kieran Tierney, and Kenny McLean sealed a place at the tournament being held across the USA, Mexico and Canada.

Delighted fans were celebrating into the early hours of the morning as they started looking ahead to making the journey across the Atlantic next summer.

They were joined by the likes of James McAvoy, Martin Compston, Lorraine Kelly and Andy Murray.

James McAvoy: X-Men and Last King of Scotland star James McAvoy posted on Instagram as he enjoyed the moment after full-time.

He also posted a picture of midfielder John McGinn, with the caption “John McGinn for First Minister”.

Stand-up comedian Kevin Bridges agreed with that sentiment, replying “amen”.

Kevin Bridges: Bridges himself maybe got a bit carried away with the performance and quality of Scotland’s goals when he posted on X, saying: “Genuinely can’t see anyone other than Scotland winning this World Cup.

“What a team man.”

Martin Compston: Line of Duty actor Martin Compston, who lives in Los Angeles, reposted a picture of him kissing his TV while Scotland manager Steve Clarke was on the screen.

Line of Duty actor Martin Compston, who lives in Los Angeles, reposted a picture of him kissing his TV while Scotland manager Steve Clarke was on the screen. Instagram

He wrote: “World Cup here we come! Party at mine. Heroes to a man, Steve Clarke’s Tartan Army. No Scotland No Party.

Andy Murray: Retired tennis star Andy Murray took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to celebrate Scott McTominay’s acrobatic opening goal.

He wrote: “What on earth was that? McTominay you wee dancer!”

Then after full-time he said: Yessssssssssssssssssss! Never in doubt Scotland. North America here we come.”

Jamie Murray: Andy’s brother, Jamie, added “I love being Scottish.”

Jack Lowden: Actor Jack Lowden posted a picture of the Hampden celebrations on Instagram with the caption: “Nae Scotland, Nae Party.”, while singer Amy McDonald posted a video of her cheering on the team from her hotel room in London.

Lorraine Kelly: TV presenter Lorraine Kelly shared a video of Scotland fans in a pub waiting for the full-time whistle, with a caption saying: “Longest minute in human history”.

Gordon Brown: Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown wrote: “Congratulations to the Scotland national team and Steve Clarke for taking us through to the World Cup finals.

“I have been in Spain 1982, Italy 1990, and France 1998. Looking forward to cheering the team on in North America in 2026.”

Humza Yousaf: Former First Minister Humza Yousaf made a series of posts on X, including one saying: “Yasss, 27 years of heartbreak is over.

“We are going to the World Cup!”

On Wednesday morning, he was still celebrating, and he posted a clip of Kieran Tierney’s injury-time goal with the caption.

“It’s 7am and I have watched this clip around 7,000 times.

“I think I will watch it 7,000 more.”

Ray Bradshaw: Comedian Ray Bradshaw posted a picture with his six-year-old son, saying: “Gave up my ticket tonight because my six-year-old asked me to watch it in the house with him as he’s getting right into football so I did that and invited my mates round.

“After being at the games we lost to Ukraine, Czech Republic and Germany, I think the whole country owes him thanks for getting rid of me as a curse.”

George Horne: Glasgow Warriors and Scotland international rugby player George Horne posted a video of him watching the game with some of his teammates and wildly celebrating Kenny McLean’s spectacular effort that made it 4-2.

He captioned the video: “We’ll be coming.”