Scotland last appeared at a World Cup in 1998, a tournament that also pitted them against Brazil in the group stage. In recent years, the national side has enjoyed a resurgence, qualifying for both Euro 2020 and Euro 2024. Yet despite a squad full of experienced players competing for top European clubs, Scotland has consistently been unable to advance beyond the group phase. Their path to the 2026 World Cup was sealed in dramatic fashion, as two stoppage-time goals secured a 4-2 victory over Denmark in the final qualifier, rescuing them from a likely trip to the playoffs.
Captain Andy Robertson leads the squad as its most capped player, with 92 international appearances to his name. He is joined by familiar names including Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Kieran Tierney, and Lawrence Shankland. At the opposite end of the age spectrum, 19-year-old Findlay Curtis earns a place after impressing on loan at Kilmarnock from Rangers, while striker Ross Stewart makes a long-awaited return following a strong finish to the season with Southampton, his first call-up since 2022.
The most notable absence is Udinese's Lennon Miller, a young midfielder who had become a regular fixture in recent squads.
Drawn into Group C alongside Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti, Scotland will open its campaign against Haiti on June 13 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Before starting the tournament, the team hosts Curaçao on May 30 ahead of a pre-tournament training camp in Florida, followed by a final tune-up against Bolivia in New Jersey on June 6.
Scotland 2026 World Cup Squad:
Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers)
Defenders: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al-Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Dom 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), Findlay Curtis (Kilmarnock), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Napoli)
Forwards: Ché Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Charlton Athletic), George Hirst (Ipswich Town), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Ross Stewart (Southampton)
