Scotland Squad for World Cup 2026: Full Player-by-Player Guide
Steve Clarke has named his 26-man Scotland squad for the 2026 World Cup, with a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talents. The squad includes a recall for Ross Stewart after a four-year absence and features key players like Scott McTominay, Andy Robertson, and Kieran Tierney. Below is a detailed breakdown of every player selected.
Goalkeepers
Craig Gordon – Age: 43, Caps: 83. The veteran goalkeeper began his Scotland career in 2004 and has overcome serious injuries to earn a World Cup spot. His incredible save for Hearts at Dundee in January is a standout memory.
Liam Kelly – Age: 30, Caps: 2. Kelly swapped Motherwell for Rangers in 2024, accepting an understudy role. He is hugely popular in the dressing room and made his Scotland debut against France at age 27.
Angus Gunn – Age: 30, Caps: 21. Gunn joined Nottingham Forest from Norwich but struggled for game time. Despite limited club action, he has performed well for Scotland. His father is former Scotland keeper Bryan Gunn.
Defenders
Anthony Ralston – Age: 27, Caps: 25. Often third-choice right-back at Celtic, Ralston remains a fixture in Clarke's plans due to continuity. His career was revived by Ange Postecoglou, and he embraces the nickname "Bricklayer" from Celtic fans.
John Souttar – Age: 29, Caps: 22. Souttar shared a flat with Andy Robertson and Ryan Gauld at Dundee United. His brother Harry played for Australia in a World Cup. Souttar owns a coffee shop business and has recovered from two Achilles injuries.
Dominic Hyam – Age: 30, Caps: 2. Born in Leuchars, Fife, Hyam moved to England before age two but feels Scottish. He made his debut in a dramatic win over Norway, coming on in stoppage time.
Grant Hanley – Age: 34, Caps: 66. Despite injury doubts, Hanley has rarely let Scotland down. He was at the centre of a controversy when Motherwell's manager criticised his ball-playing ability after a Hibs defeat.
Kieran Tierney – Age: 28, Caps: 55. Tierney scored a stunning goal to put Scotland ahead against Denmark in the decisive qualifier. Injuries have prevented him from becoming an all-time great, but he remains a key player.
Jack Hendry – Age: 31, Caps: 37. Hendry moved to Saudi Arabia but retains Clarke's faith. He excelled in Belgium and started at Euro 2020. He is expected to feature at the World Cup.
Nathan Patterson – Age: 24, Caps: 25. Patterson's career has stalled at Everton due to managerial changes and injuries. He was fined for attending a flat party during Covid restrictions while at Rangers.
Andy Robertson – Age: 32, Caps: 92. The captain is closing in on Kenny Dalglish's cap record. Released by Celtic, he stacked shelves at Asda before becoming a Champions League winner. He leads the team with confidence.
Scott McKenna – Age: 29, Caps: 49. McKenna has taken an unconventional path, playing in Denmark, Spain, and Croatia. Dinamo Zagreb rejected bids over £10m for him in January.
Aaron Hickey – Age: 23, Caps: 19. Hickey rejected Bayern Munich to join Bologna, where his career flourished. Injuries have prevented a move to a bigger Premier League club. He is Scotland's best right-back option.
Midfielders
Kenny McLean – Age: 34, Caps: 56. McLean scored a memorable goal from halfway against Denmark to seal World Cup qualification. He is an unsung hero in Clarke's system.
Ryan Christie – Age: 31, Caps: 66. Christie's father Charlie was a talented midfielder. Ryan was reduced to tears after Scotland reached Euro 2020, and a Guardian cartoon of that moment was framed by his father.
Lewis Ferguson – Age: 26, Caps: 23. Ferguson missed Euro 2024 due to a serious knee injury. He is the Bologna captain and comes from a family of midfielders, including his father Derek and uncle Barry.
John McGinn – Age: 31, Caps: 85. McGinn's career almost ended after a training ground accident with a spiked pole. He took a chance at Hibernian and became a fan favourite at Aston Villa.
Scott McTominay – Age: 29, Caps: 69. McTominay scored the opening goal against Denmark to end Scotland's World Cup drought. Born in Lancaster, he chose Scotland over England. He won the Serie A title with Napoli.
Billy Gilmour – Age: 24, Caps: 45. Gilmour impressed at Euro 2020 but tested positive for Covid. He rarely gives away possession and has played for Chelsea, Brighton, and Napoli. His club manager called him "masterful."
Forwards
Ché Adams – Age: 29, Caps: 46. Adams scored his 10th goal for Torino and is underappreciated for his selfless running. He committed to Scotland before Euro 2020 and is likely to start as centre-forward.
George Hirst – Age: 27, Caps: 8. Hirst's father David played for England. George found success at Ipswich, helping them rise to the Premier League. He is described as a tough character.
Findlay Curtis – Age: 19, Caps: 1. Curtis impressed on loan at Kilmarnock, earning a call-up. Scotland lack wide attacking options, and Curtis is expected to get a chance at Rangers next season.
Ben Gannon-Doak – Age: 20, Caps: 12. Gannon-Doak reconnected with religion after leaving home at 16. He has electric pace and directness, once terrifying Croatia's Josko Gvardiol in the Nations League.
Lawrence Shankland – Age: 30, Caps: 18. Shankland scored the second goal against Denmark. After a poor season at Hearts, he regained form under Derek McInnes.
Ross Stewart – Age: 29, Caps: 2. Known as the "Loch Ness Drogba," Stewart earned a recall after strong end-of-season form with Southampton. He has overcome serious injuries and became a £10m player.
Lyndon Dykes – Age: 30, Caps: 50. Dykes chose Scotland over Australia, saying he followed his heart. He is a tough striker who has delivered big moments for his country.
Scotland's squad blends experience with youth, and Clarke will hope to make an impact in their first World Cup since 1998.
