The Bologna midfielder had to miss Lake’s actual birthday party because he was on international duty. Instead, he gave her the most unforgettable present imaginable: carrying her onto the pitch on a night Scotland ended a 28-year wait to reach the men’s World Cup.

A Night of Pure Drama at Hampden

Scotland produced one of the most chaotic, joyous nights in their football history:

• Stormed into an early lead
• Conceded twice to fall behind
• Equalised, conceded again… then scored twice in the dying minutes
• Full-time: Scotland 4-2 Denmark → World Cup 2026 confirmed!

Ferguson, captain of his club Bologna and one of eight squad members not born when Scotland last played at a World Cup (France ’98), played every minute of the roller-coaster.

The Moment That Melted Hearts

As the final whistle blew and Hampden erupted, Ferguson ignored the on-pitch celebrations for a few precious seconds. He ran straight to the front row, lifted little Lake over the advertising boards, and carried her back onto the turf.

The pair danced together as blue flares lit the Glasgow sky and 52,000 fans sang “Loch Lomond” at the top of their voices.

“I was just so happy to see their faces at the end,” Ferguson said, voice cracking. “I’m sure they’ll enjoy the trip next year.”

From Missing the Party to Making History

Ferguson had been travelling with the squad in the days leading up to Lake’s birthday and couldn’t make it home for the party. Instead, he promised her something bigger.

Mission accomplished.

“It was probably just meant to be,” he smiled.

What’s Next for Scotland?

Steve Clarke’s men will be in the United States, Mexico and Canada next summer for the 2026 World Cup — their first men’s tournament since 1998.

And one little Lake Ferguson will forever have the coolest “What I did on my 3rd birthday” story in nursery history.

Sometimes football really is more than just a game.