Scotland World Cup 2026 squad: Full list, predicted lineup, depth chart, latest news

After 28 years of disappointment and near misses, Scotland have finally qualified for another World Cup Finals.

November's epic win over Denmark, one of the Tartan Army's greatest nights, was the perfect way to earn a spot in United States, Canada and Mexico, but attention has now turned to trying to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament as a bare minimum.

Rather unusually, Scotland have been handed reunions with two of the nations - Brazil and Morocco - that they played in 1998, while minnows Haiti complete Group C.

Nevertheless, after the highs of late 2025, Steve Clarke has been left to contemplate his 26-player squad on the back of successive 1-0 defeats to Japan and Ivory Coast in international friendlies during the March international break.

Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at the Scotland squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Scotland World Cup 2026 full squad list

Steve Clarke announced his Scotland squad for the World Cup on May 19.

Scotland World Cup 2026 predicted XI

When everyone is fit, there is an argument that only a handful of players are guaranteed first-choice picks in this Scotland starting lineup.

They are captain Andrew Robertson, centre-back Scott McKenna and midfield pair John McGinn and Scott McTominay.

Right-back Aaron Hickey could be viewed in the same category, but the remaining spots in the first XI feel up for grabs.

Despite a long-term absence, 43-year-old Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon is back in the squad, with Angus Gunn on standby to deputise despite his lack of games at Nottingham Forest.

Billy Gilmour, Lewis Ferguson, Ryan Christie and Kenny McLean are competing for two central-midfield spots behind the more advanced McTominay, but it is anyone's guess who will line up on the right wing.

Ben Gannon-Doak is an option if he can prove his fitness, but Che Adams is an alternative, on the assumption that Lyndon Dykes leads the line.

However, with Lawrence Shankland and Ross Stewart back in the squad, that selection is not a foregone conclusion.

Scotland World Cup 2026 predicted XI: Gordon; Hickey, Hendry, McKenna, Robertson; Ferguson, Christie, McTominay; Gannon-Doak, McGinn; Dykes

Scotland World Cup 2026 squad latest news

With many of Scotland's big names involved in races for the Scottish Premiership title, Champions League qualification and European places in general, Clarke will be hoping that they come through this crucial period of the season unscathed.

Key man McTominay's form has dropped off since February, but he has recently scored twice in five Serie A appearances for Napoli.

McGinn has returned from a knee injury to chip in with three goals and three assists from his last seven outings in an Aston Villa shirt.

On the injury front, Brentford defender Hickey featured for 61 minutes against Manchester City on May 9 in what represented a major boost to Clarke.

However, he suffered a major blow last week as Tommy Conway suffered an ankle injury while representing Middlesbrough in the Championship playoffs. The eight-cap international was subsequently ruled out of the World Cup due to needing surgery on the issue.

Billy Gilmour has also been ruled out of the tournament due to injury, offering an unexpected opportunity for 19-year-old Manchester United man Tyler Fletcher.