Scottish manager Steve Clarke has named 43‑year‑old Craig Gordon in a 26‑man squad for the 2026 World Cup, despite the Hearts keeper missing most of the season. Clarke praised Gordon’s role in qualification and said his training work shows he can be ready for a handful of matches during the tournament schedule this summer ahead.

Clarke admitted it is tough when goalkeepers lack regular game time, but highlighted that the squad will have depth. Alongside Gordon, Angus Gunn of Nottingham Forest and Liam Kelly of Rangers travel to America, both of whom also missed most club duties this season to prepare for the tournament with a seasoned squad that can adapt.

Clarke also praised 19‑year‑old Findlay Curtis after his debut against Japan and noted his goal‑scoring form at Kilmarnock. He added that Ross Stewart’s late‑season surge at Southampton earned him a recall, citing his ability to hit big goals in high‑pressure matches as a key asset for the host‑nation campaign ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

With Scotland opening against Haiti in Boston on June 13, the squad faces a tight schedule that pushes late‑night kick‑offs back to early morning UK time. Clarke’s selection strategy underscores a balance between experience and youth, aiming to keep the team resilient as it navigates the North American tournament’s extensive travel demands for the tournament this summer.