Steve Clarke Names Craig Gordon, Findlay Curtis, Ross Stewart in Scotland’s 2026 World Cup Squad

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke named a 26-man World Cup squad that includes Craig Gordon, Findlay Curtis and Ross Stewart, with the squad set to return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

Clarke’s selection of Stewart ended a four-year absence from international football, and The Guardian said the Southampton striker’s form led to him being included in the 26-man party.

BBC

Scotland’s World Cup campaign is scheduled to kick off against Haiti in Boston on 13 June, with group games against Morocco in the same city and Brazil in Miami.

Sky Sports also set out the warm-up schedule, including a Hampden Park meeting with Curacao on May 30 and a friendly against Bolivia in the USA before the tournament begins.

Clarke’s squad announcement came with a focus on loyalty and character, and BBC described him as “power-walked into the Hampden auditorium” for the media briefing.

Alongside the squad news, Clarke urged supporters to avoid taking on debt to travel, telling fans: “Mi mayor deseo es que la gente no se endeude demasiado intentando ir.”

In a Sky Sports interview, Clarke warned: “Do not go into debt or put your family into debt.”

BBC

TyC Sports said Clarke linked the message to elevated prices for entries and travel to the World Cup, arguing that “Ir a América ya es caro incluso como vacaciones.”

LatinUS also quoted Clarke saying the ticket price is set by FIFA and that his wish was for fans “do not go into debt too much to go.”

The debate over cost sits against Scotland’s Group C draw, with the BBC noting the squad announcement’s lack of “theatre” as Clarke kept the focus on the tournament itself.

Scotland’s World Cup schedule, as laid out by The Guardian, starts with Haiti in Boston on 13 June, followed by Morocco in the same city before travelling to Miami to take on Brazil.

Sky Sports added that Scotland’s first match is on June 14 against Haiti, with group games against Morocco and Brazil, and it also listed warm-up matches against Curacao on May 30 at Hampden Park and Bolivia in the USA.

The Guardian said Clarke opted for familiarity in selecting those who will represent Scotland in a World Cup “this summer for the first time in 28 years,” while BBC framed the announcement as “No theatre or Scotland curveballs from loyal Clarke.”

The stakes for Clarke’s squad selection were also reflected in the omissions discussed by BBC, including its line that “No McBurnie while Clarke is in charge.”

With the tournament approaching, Clarke’s cost message and the squad’s return after 28 years set the immediate pressure points for Scotland supporters planning travel across the USA, Mexico and Canada.