Scotland Name 26-Man Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup, First Since 1998

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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Scotland manager Steve Clarke has announced a 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the nation’s first appearance at football’s biggest tournament since 1998.

ESPN revealed that Scotland captain Andy Robertson will lead the squad into the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Liverpool defender is Scotland’s most experienced player with 92 international caps, followed closely by Aston Villa captain John McGinn with 85 appearances.

Scotland were drawn into Group C alongside Brazil national football team, Morocco national football team, and Haiti national football team. The draw mirrors Scotland’s 1998 World Cup group, where they also faced Brazil and Morocco.

Among the notable inclusions is Southampton striker Ross Stewart, who returns to the national team for the first time since 2022 after recovering from a lengthy injury spell and finishing the season strongly at club level.

Teenage winger Findlay Curtis, 19, also earned a surprise call-up after impressing during his loan spell at Kilmarnock from Rangers.

Veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon, 43, was also included despite injury concerns that have kept him out of action since January. Gordon played a key role during Scotland’s successful qualification campaign that ended the country’s 28-year absence from the World Cup.

According to FIFA website, Clarke defended Gordon’s selection by saying the Hearts goalkeeper had shown “tremendous resilience” and remained fully fit in training.

“It’s always difficult when you have goalkeepers not playing regularly. But we've had good reports back from Hearts. He deserves to be there,” Clarke said.

Clarke also explained his decision to include Curtis in the squad.

“He's got something a little bit different to what we've got. He's shown he can score a goal, he's finished the season in a great place and it's nice to have a young one in the squad,” he said.

Regarding Stewart’s return, Clarke said the striker’s recent form played a major role in his selection.

“He's had a terrible run with injury, but from January onwards he's hit a rich vein of form. He's shown he can score big goals in big games,” Clarke added.

One of the most surprising omissions from the squad was Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller, who had been involved in several recent Scotland squads.

Clarke admitted the decision was difficult but said squad balance ultimately influenced the final selection.

“I just felt with the balance of the midfield it was better to take an extra forward than a midfield player,” he said.

Scotland will open their World Cup campaign against Haiti on June 13 in Boston before facing Morocco on June 19 and Brazil on June 24.

Scotland's World Cup 2026 squad

Goalkeepers:
-Craig Gordon
-Angus Gunn
-Liam Kelly

Defenders:
-Grant Hanley
-Jack Hendry
-Aaron Hickey
-Dom 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:
-Che Adams
-Lyndon Dykes
-George Hirst
-Lawrence Shankland
-Ross Stewart.

Scotland's World Cup 2026 fixtures and group

-13 June: Haiti vs. Scotland - Boston Stadium
-19 June: Scotland vs. Morocco - Boston Stadium
-24 June: Scotland vs. Brazil - Miami Stadium

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