Ten Hibs players were called up for their countries across the international break – with several players taking part in FIFA World Cup qualifiers with their respective nations.
Grant Hanley – Scotland
Centre-back Grant Hanley started both of Scotland’s matches as Steve Clarke’s side secured their first World Cup appearance in 28 years.
After playing 75 minutes in a narrow 3-2 defeat to Greece, Hanley was called into the starting XI – to replace John Souttar following an injury in the warm-up for the Rangers defender – shortly before Scotland’s must-win match against Denmark.
Hanley put in a commanding performance that earned praise from fans and media alike, as Scotland sealed a historic 4-2 win at Hampden Park to book their place at next year’s World Cup.
Scotland will be seeded in Pot Three ahead of the World Cup group stage draw on Friday 5 December, 2025.
Rocky Bushiri – DR Congo
It was also a memorable international break for Hibs centre-back Rocky Bushiri and his nation, as they booked their spot in the World Cup Inter-Continental Play-Offs with famous wins over two African heavyweights.
Rocky was an unused substitute in both matches as a last-minute semi-final winner against Cameroon and a memorable penalty shoot-out victory over Nigeria pushed DR Congo to the final stage of World Cup qualification.
As a seeded team, DR Congo need to win just one more match – against one of Bolivia, Jamaica, New Caledonia, or Suriname – to seal their place in the World Cup proper. Should DR Congo qualify, it would be their first World Cup appearance since 1974 – which they participated in as Zaire.
Jordan Obita – Uganda
Jordan Obita started in two international friendlies across the break for Uganda, extending his cap tally to eight after making his debut for the African nation earlier this year.
He captained the Cranes to a 2-1 victory over Chad at the Stade Municipal de Berrechid, before taking on the host nation of the friendly matches, Morocco
Uganda fell to a 4-0 defeat against the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, with Obita playing the full 90 against one of Africa’s most powerful teams.
Jamie McGrath – Republic of Ireland
The midfielder was recalled to the Irish set-up for the first time in over two years – with his last call-up coming in October 2024.
It was certainly the right time to receive the call, as McGrath was involved in each matchday squad across the break as the Republic of Ireland advanced to the European play-offs for the World Cup – sparking great celebrations in the country.
McGrath was an unused substitute in both games, as Ireland secured 2-0 and 3-2 wins over Portugal and Hungary, respectively, to clinch second-place in Group F.
Martin Boyle & Jack Iredale – Australia
Australia had already qualified for the World Cup heading into the November international window, and used the break to prepare for the 2026 competition by playing two international friendlies in the United States.
Martin Boyle made an appearance as a 65th minute substitute during the Socceroos’ 1-0 defeat to Venezuela in Houston, Texas.
Another tricky tie against South American opposition followed for Australia, as they fell to a 3-0 defeat Colombia at Citi Field – with Boyle appearing as a second-half substitute.
Junior Hoilett – Canada
With co-host nation Canada automatically qualifying for the World Cup, the Reds continued their preparations for the tournament with international friendlies.
After Ali Ahmed was sent off in the 6th minute of their first November friendly against Ecuador, the Canadians held on for a goalless draw in Toronto – with Hibs attacker Junior Hoilett introduced as an 80th minute substitute.
After earning is 68th cap against Ecuador, Hoilett did not feature in the Canucks’ second match as they comfortably defeated Venezuela 2-0 in Flori.
Miguel Chaiwa – Zambia
Earning his 14th international cap for Zambia, Miguel Chaiwa played 80 minutes in midfield during a 3-1 friendly loss against South Africa.
The midfielder was not involved in Zambia’s second international friendly across the break, which ended in a narrow 3-2 defeat to Angola.
Logan Jimenez – Bermuda
Off the back of his first professional contract, Hibs U19s’ league title triumph and featuring in the First Team pre-season camp in the Netherlands, winger Logan Jimenez has now earned his first international caps for his country.
Jimenez, who had previously captained Bermuda U17s and played for Scotland Schools, was selected for Bermuda’s final World Cup qualification matches against Curacao and Trinidad and Tobago.
The 17-year-old played the full 90 minutes as Bermuda were beaten 6-0 by eventual group winners, and now first-time World Cup entrants, Curacao.
Jimenez would then play his part in helping Bermuda to put points on the board in Group B, as he appeared as a late substitute in Bermuda’s 2-2 draw against Trinidad and Tobago.
Joseph McGrath – Scotland U19s
Hibernian U19s captain Joseph McGrath was included in Neil MacFarlane’s squad to play Latvia, Lithuania and England all in the space of one week as part of Scotland U19s’ UEFA Euro 2026 qualifiers.
It was a challenging camp for the Young Team, who earned a 2-2 draw against Latvia before falling to defeats against Lithuania and England.
McGrath gained valuable experience by playing the full 90 minutes of the Scots’ tie against Latvia and narrow loss to Lithuania, but was an unused substitute versus England.
