Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour will miss the World Cup after suffering a knee injury during Saturday’s 4-1 win over Curacao, the Scottish Football Association said.
The 24-year-old, who plays for Napoli, suffered the injury in Scotland’s last World Cup warm-up match and will return to his club to begin his rehabilitation.
“I am devastated for Billy as he has been an integral part of our World Cup qualifying campaign,” said Scotland manager Steve Clarke.
“The timing of this injury is so cruel and we all feel for him.”
Gilmour featured prominently in Scotland’s successful qualifying campaign and was expected to play a key role at the tournament.
“He knows what we all think of him as a footballer and as a person,” Clarke added. “I’m sure Billy will have many big tournaments ahead of him in the future.”
Scotland open their first World Cup campaign since 1998 against Haiti on June 13 before facing Morocco and Brazil in Group C.
Published on May 31, 2026
