SCOTLAND’S men's team will kick off their first World Cup campaign in 28 years on Sunday morning — here’s the full squad list along with the team's key players ahead of the game.
Steve Clarke picked his 26-man group to take to North America last month, and there weren't too many surprises as he stuck with a pretty tried and tested squad.
Since the announcement four weeks ago, there has only been one change in the group, with Billy Gilmour ruled out of the World Cup finals by the knee injury he suffered in the friendly against Curacao at Hampden on May 30.
Clarke handed Manchester United kid Tyler Fletcher, the son of former Scotland captain Darren, his international debut in the second half of the Curacao victory, and has since named him Gilmour’s replacement.
With hundreds of Tartan Army fans heading over to the United States ahead of Scotland’s opening Group C match against Haiti, here is who will be representing the country on the pitch.
Key Players
Andy Robertson
Scotland’s captain and Liverpool legend, Andy Robertson, is a firm fan favourite who has often led the team with his commanding presence at left back.
The defender is by far the most experienced player in the squad, with multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy all under his belt.
Best known for his leadership on and off the pitch, along with his pace, endurance, and elite crossing ability, Robertson has firmly dominated the left side of Scotland’s attack and defence for years.
Many Scots will be looking to the skipper to lead the team out of the tournament's group stage.
John McGinn
Every captain needs a strong vice captain, and that’s just what John McGinn provides.
The midfielder has had standout performances for both Aston Villa and Scotland over the last 12 months as he helped captain the Premier League side to a top four finish and a Europa League win while also helping his country return to the World Cup after an almost 30-year absence.
McGinn is another fan favourite as he is instrumental to Scotland’s midfield as the textbook box-to-box player is best known for his intensity, defensive work rate, and for popping and providing a vital goal contribution when the team needs it most.
Scott McTominay
The talisman of this Scotland squad, Scott McTominay, will be carrying most Scots hopes of progressing into the World Cup's knockout stages on his shoulders.
McTominay has grown into one of Europe's finest midfielders since his move to Napoli in 2024, although Scotland fans will assure you he’s always been of that caliber when playing for the national side.
It can’t be overstated how important McTominay has become for Scotland as he’s often been the team's primary goal threat and is regularly the main difference maker for Clarke’s side.
A physical presence in the center of the park with the creative flair and killer instinct in front of the goal. He may be carrying the burden of Scotland’s hopes, but it is hard to imagine anyone in world football right now who isn’t more capable of doing so than Scott McTominay.
Lawrence Shankland
Scotland fans for some time have been calling on Clarke to give Lawrence Shankland his chance to prove himself, and it seems their calls have finally been answered.
Coming off another solid season with Hearts, Shankland has cemented himself as one of the Scottish Premiership's top goal scorers.
An out-and-out striker known for his cool, calm and clinical goal scoring threat, Shankland may be just the missing piece Scotland has been missing in the forward position.
Clarke has often preferred Che Adams or Lyndon Dykes to be his sole number nine, but after another strong season for Hearts and a handful of goals for Scotland in the lead-up to the World Cup, Shankland may find his name on the starting team sheet.
Lewis Ferguson
Another Scot who has made his name in Italy's Serie A, Lewis Ferguson, has thrived during his time at Bologna, where he now captains the team.
Known for his attacking mindset and creativity in midfield, Ferguson is another player who has flourished in Clarke’s side over the last few years.
Ferguson missed the Euros in 2024 due to a knee injury and was sorely missed in the team. However, coming fresh off another stellar campaign with Bologna, where he helped the club win its first major trophy in 51 years with a 1-0 win against AC Milan in the Coppa Italia, the Scot is in fine form coming into the tournament.
The full squad list:
- Craig Gordon
- Angus Gunn
- Liam Kelly
- Grant Hanley
- Jack Hendry
- Aaron Hickey
- Dom Hyam
- Scott McKenna
- Nathan Patterson
- Anthony Ralston
- Andy Robertson
- John Souttar
- Kieran Tierney
- Ryan Christie
- Findlay Curtis
- Lewis Ferguson
- Ben Gannon-Doak
- John McGinn
- Kenny McLean
- Scott McTominay
- Ché Adams
- Lyndon Dykes
- George Hirst
- Lawrence Shankland
- Ross Stewart
- Tyler Fletcher
