Steve Clarke unveiled Scotland’s 26‑man roster for the 2026 World Cup on BBC Sport’s Scottish Football Podcast. The list, revealed Friday, sparked debate with several unexpected inclusions and the omission of seasoned internationals. Clarke, joined by Andy Burke, Tom English and Andy Halliday, defended his choices and hinted at a shift toward a higher‑press style.

Among the surprises, left‑back Ryan Strain earned a call‑up despite limited club minutes, while veteran striker James McCarthy was left out, prompting criticism from former players who argued experience should trump form. Clarke explained that camps revealed Strain’s adaptability, a factor that will benefit the squad against North American opposition. He also noted the midfielder’s defensive work rate, which could offset the loss of McCarthy.

The podcast touched on squad balance, noting the blend of Premier League regulars and Scottish Premiership stand‑outs. Clarke stressed that cohesion, rather than star power, will determine progress in the group stage hosted across the USA, Canada and Mexico. Listeners can replay the episode for analysis on BBC Sounds, which also reviewed past World Cup outings, recalling Scotland’s 1998 run.