Ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Belarus in Hungary on Monday night, McGinn laid out his hopes with the national team.
He said: "I saw Robbo (Andrew Robertson) say he remembers France 98 but I don't think I do.
"I remember my dad and my grandad speaking about it. So for us to be involved in a World Cup would be 100 per cent a career highlight.
"Representing your country at a World Cup would eclipse everything that I've managed to achieve in the game.
"I used to see my team-mates going when I was on holiday.
"Next year, we've got the opportunity to be there. Every time myself and the boys stand in the tunnel before a game, we need to remind ourselves of that.
"My first competitive appearance was probably a few of the boys' worst experience. It was Slovakia away in a big qualifier and we lost 3-0.
"So it was a sort of strange feeling. I was absolutely over the moon to have made my first competitive appearance, but those boys were devastated.
"That was maybe eight or nine years ago.
"So, it has gone by quick, it does go by quick. It's been amazing. But hopefully my body allows another six, seven years maybe.
"We need to realise what we can achieve. We know what's at stake and we know how to do it.
"It's important we get three points on Monday to give ourselves the best possible chance."