Steve Clarke has announced a 26-man Scotland squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the nation’s return to the tournament for the first time since 1998. The Scottish Football Association revealed the roster on Tuesday, featuring a core of established players including Scott McTominay, currently with Napoli, Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson, Aston Villa’s John McGinn, and Kieran Tierney of Celtic.
There was no place for 19-year-old Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller, despite recent appearances for the club. Veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon, aged 43 and a substitute for Heart of Midlothian, has been included in the squad, providing experienced cover between the posts. The inclusion of Gordon demonstrates Clarke’s preference for a blend of youth and experience as Scotland prepares for a challenging group stage.
Scotland will compete in Group C, facing Haiti on June 14th, followed by matches against Morocco on June 20th and Brazil on June 25th. The primary objective for the national team is to progress beyond the group stage of a major international competition, a feat they have yet to achieve. Expectations are tempered by the difficulty of the group, but the Tartan Army will hope for a strong showing.
The squad selection reflects a reliance on players currently performing in the English Premier League and other top European leagues. McTominay’s recent form for Napoli will be crucial, as will Robertson’s leadership at Liverpool and McGinn’s creativity for Aston Villa. Tierney’s return to Celtic has provided him with consistent playing time, making him a reliable option at left-back. Clarke will be hoping these key players can inspire the team to a successful tournament. This World Cup represents a significant opportunity for Scotland to make a statement on the international stage and build momentum for future competitions.
