Scotland Names 43-Year

Southampton’s Ross Stewart and Rangers’ rising star Findlay Curtis have made it into Scotland‘s 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup. Additionally, Steve Clarke has selected Craig Gordon.

The 43-year-old Gordon, who hasn’t played since January due to a shoulder injury, is included as one of three goalkeepers. While there were few surprises in the squad, notable inclusions are Stewart, who last represented Scotland in 2022, and the teenage Curtis.

Familiar names like Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, Kieran Tierney, and John McGinn are also part of the lineup. However, players like Oli McBurnie and Kieran Bowie were not selected. Andy Robertson will lead the team as captain.

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Wrexham’s Dominic Hyam is also included, along with Aaron Hickey, who missed Euro 2024. Curtis earned his first two caps during Scotland’s March friendlies, following an impressive loan at Kilmarnock. With Tommy Conway of Middlesbrough injured, Stewart is counted among five forwards, joining Ché Adams, Lyndon Dykes, George Hirst, and Lawrence Shankland.

Clarke expressed confidence in the squad, stating, “This is a group of players who know how to qualify for major tournaments. Most of them have been to two major tournaments already. I hope that experience will show, and that they can achieve something unprecedented for the Scottish team.”

While some speculated that Clarke might select four goalkeepers due to Gordon’s fitness concerns, he ultimately chose three. Gordon, backed to recover from his shoulder issue, and Gunn, despite limited play at Nottingham Forest this season, will join Liam Kelly, who has been solid in cup matches for Rangers, as the goalkeeping trio.

“It’s always challenging with keepers who aren’t regularly playing,” Clarke noted. “As long as they’re fully engaged in their training, they can step in when needed,” he added regarding Gordon’s case, “but we have received encouraging feedback from Hearts about his training, and Craig is adamant he’s fit to play.”

“Angus played an Under-23 match recently to get some game time, and Liam is included for his excellent goalkeeping skills and good rapport with the squad,” Clarke mentioned while explaining his final selection of three goalkeepers.

Clarke also mentioned plans to take a younger goalkeeper to the World Cup as part of the squad to assist with training. When asked if including Gordon presented a risk, Clarke replied, “We can always change goalkeepers at any stage during the tournament. If Craig encounters any issues with his injury—something we hope won’t happen—we will have options.”

In defense, Grant Hanley was named despite a recent knee injury. Jack Hendry, Hyam, and Hickey also made the cut, as did Nathan Patterson, who missed Euro 2024 due to injury. John Souttar returns after being excluded from Euro 2024, while Tierney is included following his injury during the last Euros. A total of ten defenders are in the squad, with three designated as right-backs.

Midfielders include notable names such as McTominay and McGinn. Curtis, at just 19, was a late addition following a solid performance on loan with Kilmarnock.

“Findlay was likely celebrating wherever he is!” exclaimed Clarke. “He integrated remarkably well when we brought him in March. His unique style adds diversity to our squad. He has shown he can score, finishing the season strong, and it’s refreshing to have young talent in our ranks.”

McTominay’s fellow Napoli teammate Gilmour joins him, while McGinn looks ahead to his Europa League final this Wednesday and is expected to be crucial at the World Cup. Scotland will also count on Bournemouth’s Ben Gannon-Doak as a wing threat after his injury recovery.

The primary question remains who will lead Scotland’s attack in their opening match against Haiti on June 13 (June 14 BST). With Conway sidelined by injury, Clarke has five strikers to choose from: Torino’s Adams, Charlton’s Dykes, Ipswich’s Hirst, Hearts’ Shankland, and Southampton’s Stewart. Those missing out include McBurnie, Andy Irving, Bowie, Lennon Miller, and Oliver Burke.

“Stewart has an inspiring story,” Clarke said. “He was in the squad a couple of years back, proving he could play at this level. Despite a challenging injury period, he rebounded strongly in the latter half of the season, consistently scoring in significant matches, including one against Arsenal in the FA Cup. His current form as a striker made him an optimal addition to our squad.”

Scotland kicks off their World Cup journey against Haiti in Boston, followed by matches against Morocco on June 19 and Brazil in Miami on June 24.

Complete Scotland Squad for the 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon, Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly.

Defenders: Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Dominic Hyam, Scott McKenna, Nathan Patterson, Anthony Ralston, Andy Robertson, John Souttar, Kieran Tierney.

Midfielders: Ryan Christie, Findlay Curtis, Lewis Ferguson, Ben Gannon-Doak, Billy Gilmour, John McGinn, Kenny McLean, Scott McTominay.

Forwards: Ché Adams, Lyndon Dykes, George Hirst, Lawrence Shankland, Ross Stewart.