Steve Clarke has announced Scotland’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with experienced goalkeeper Craig Gordon and young talents Findlay Curtis and Ross Stewart included.
Goalkeepers and fitness
Craig Gordon, 43, earns a World Cup place alongside Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest) and Liam Kelly (Rangers) despite limited club minutes this season. Club appearance totals for the trio this term are low: Gordon 3, Kelly 3 and Gunn 1. Clarke has opted for experience and familiarity in goal as he prepares to name his starter after the warm-up games.
Defence
Clarke has kept faith with a largely settled back line. Captain Andy Robertson joins Kieran Tierney (Celtic) and Aaron Hickey (Brentford), while Celtic’s Anthony Ralston, Rangers’ John Souttar and Hibernian’s Grant Hanley — who fought back from a fitness doubt — also make the squad. Other defensive selections include Jack Hendry, Dom Hyam, Scott McKenna and Nathan Patterson.
Midfield
The midfield contains a mix of proven performers and emerging players. Scott McTominay — remembered for his overhead kick against Denmark — is included alongside John McGinn, Billy Gilmour, Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson, Kenny McLean and Ben Gannon-Doak. Findlay Curtis, the 19-year-old Rangers winger who impressed while on loan at Kilmarnock, is rewarded for a strong end to the season and his first senior cap in March.
Attack
Up front Clarke has picked Ross Stewart after a strong finish to his season with Southampton, where he scored freely despite missing part of the campaign through injury. He joins Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland, Ipswich’s George Hirst, Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes. Stewart, who has only two previous caps, is seen as a potential wildcard with real physical presence and an eye for goal.
Full squad
Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers).
Defenders: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al Etiffaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Dom Hyam (Wrexham), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic).
Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Findlay Curtis (Kilmarnock), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich), Scott McTominay (Napoli).
Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Charlton Athletic), George Hirst (Ipswich), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Ross Stewart (Southampton).
Warm-up matches and World Cup schedule
Scotland will play warm-up fixtures at Hampden Park against Curacao on May 30 and then face Bolivia in the USA before the tournament begins. The nation return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 and are drawn in Group C: Haiti, Morocco and Brazil. Kick-off times (UK) are:
– Haiti vs Scotland — June 14, Boston: 2:00am (UK time)
– Scotland vs Morocco — June 19, Boston: 11:00pm (UK time)
– Scotland vs Brazil — June 24, Miami: 11:00pm (UK time)
Notable omissions and injury issues
Several players who featured in qualifying or who had been in contention miss out. Falkirk’s Scott Bain, despite regular club minutes, is not included among the three goalkeepers. Ross McCrorie, Josh Doig and Max Johnston — all involved during qualifying at various stages — were also left out. Udinese’s Lennon Miller and Andy Irving did not make the cut, and Middlesbrough striker Tommy Conway was ruled out with an ankle injury sustained in the play-offs. Other forwards considered but not selected included Oli McBurnie and Kieron Bowie.
Reaction and context
Pundits have highlighted the experience Clarke has favoured in goal and defence, while praising the fresh energy Curtis and others provide. Analysts see Stewart as a potentially decisive option off the bench or as a surprise starter, given his aerial threat and recent goals for Southampton. Clarke’s selection balances trusted qualifiers with younger players he believes can develop with the squad.
Next steps
Clarke will use the upcoming friendlies to fine-tune formations, assess fitness and pick his starting lineup. With the squad finalised, the focus turns to preparation for Boston and Miami as Scotland aim to progress from their World Cup group for the first time in the nation’s history.