Steve Clarke names Scotland’s 26-man World Cup squad
Clarke’s World Cup squad prioritises defensive stability and midfield grit while keeping attacking options open for pace, movement and set-piece threats
Steve Clarke has named his 26-man Scotland squad for the World Cup, with a blend of experience and youth that will head to North America this summer. Veteran Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon, 43, earns a recall and joins Angus Gunn and Liam Kelly in the goalkeeping ranks. Southampton striker Ross Stewart is back in the fold after a four-year absence, while 19-year-old Findlay Curtis - who made his Scotland debut in March - is included among the attacking options.
Defensive spine and experienced midfield retained
Clarke has kept a familiar defensive core, selecting established internationals including Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, Scott McKenna and John Souttar to anchor the backline. The full-back options include Aaron Hickey and Anthony Ralston, giving Clarke versatility on both flanks. In midfield, the squad mixes combative experience and creative talent with Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Billy Gilmour and Lewis Ferguson all present.
Attackers and recall surprises
Up front Clarke has chosen a compact strike force with the usual suspects of Ché Adams, Lyndon Dykes, George Hirst and Lawrence Shankland among the forwards. The headline recall is Ross Stewart, whose last cap came in 2022 but who has earned his way back into consideration after leading Southampton to the Championship play-off final on Saturday. Findlay Curtis’s inclusion gives the squad a raw, pacey wide option that could trouble tired defenders in tournament group games.
Goalkeeping trio and leadership
The goalkeeping trio of Craig Gordon, Angus Gunn and Liam Kelly mixes a veteran presence with recent Premier League experience. Gordon’s selection at 43 is a nod to his leadership and experience in the dressing room, while Gunn and Kelly fill the other two goalkeeping spots - with all three keepers backups with limited game time this season.
What this squad says about Clarke’s plans
Clarke’s selection signals a pragmatic approach - rely on a durable defensive core, protecting the midfield with proven engine players, and using pace and work-rate in attack. The balance suggests Scotland will aim to be compact and hard to break down, hoping to punish opponents on the counter and from set-pieces. The inclusion of younger options like Curtis also indicates Clarke wants attacking flexibility without sacrificing the team’s experienced spine.
Scotland’s World Cup campaign kicks off in Boston on June 14, and this squad will enter final preparation over the coming weeks before FIFA confirm submitted rosters. All national selections are now public and Clarke’s group will travel once logistics and shirt numbers are finalised.
The squad reads like a team built to be hard to beat - familiar, experienced, resilient and capable of seizing moments - which could play well to Scotland’s strengths at a major tournament.
Full 26-man Scotland 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: Ché Adams, Lyndon Dykes, George Hirst, Lawrence Shankland, Ross Stewart.
It does have the make up of a solid, iron curtain look about it, which could make them hard to break down in the USA. My one reservation is the goal keepers. I don't rate Gunn and Gordon is over the hill, Liam Kelly is decent, if he gets the nod.