Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has announced a 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, confirming a selection that blends experience with emerging talent. The squad, revealed on Tuesday, includes 19-year-old Finlay Curtis as the youngest member and 43-year-old goalkeeper Craig Gordon as the oldest.
Gordon has not played since January due to a shoulder injury, yet he has been included in the squad. Addressing the decision, Clarke said: “It is always difficult to make a decision when a goalkeeper has not been playing regularly. However, we were receiving positive updates from Hearts.” He added: “He has been training very well. He has told us he is fully fit. He has shown great character. He deserves his place. If there are any issues, we have alternatives available.”
Finlay Curtis, currently on loan at Kilmarnock from Rangers, earned his place after scoring five goals in 14 appearances. Clarke highlighted the midfielder’s qualities, stating: “There is something slightly different about Curtis that we do not have in others. He can score goals, which he has demonstrated. He finished the season strongly. It is always beneficial to have a young player in the squad.”
Striker Ross Stewart has also returned to the national setup, marking his first inclusion since 2022. Stewart has scored 11 goals in 33 appearances for Southampton this season. Clarke noted: “He was in my squad a few years ago and showed he could perform at this level. He has had a difficult period with injuries, but since January he has been in very good form.” He further added: “His performance against Arsenal in the cup showed he can make an impact on the big stage. He is in form, which is why he has been selected.”
Scotland will participate in the World Cup for the first time in 28 years. As part of their preparations, they will host Curaçao on 30 May before travelling to the United States. A further friendly against Bolivia is scheduled for 6 June in New Jersey.
During the tournament, Scotland’s base camp will be located in Charlotte, North Carolina. They will compete in Group C, beginning their campaign against Haiti in Boston on 13 June. Their second group match, also in Boston, will be against Morocco on 19 June, followed by their final group fixture against Brazil in Miami on 24 June.
Scotland World Cup Squad Overview
| Position | Number of Players | Notable Names |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | 3 | Craig Gordon, Angus Gunn |
| Defenders | 10 | Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney |
| Midfielders | 8 | Scott McTominay, John McGinn |
| Forwards | 5 | Ross Stewart, Che Adams |
Full Squad List
Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers)
Defenders: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al-Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Dominic 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), Finlay Curtis (Kilmarnock), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Doak (Bournemouth), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Napoli)
Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Charlton Athletic), George Hirst (Ipswich Town), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Ross Stewart (Southampton)
The squad announcement marks a significant step in Scotland’s preparations as they return to the World Cup stage after nearly three decades.