Scotland FIFA World Cup 2026 preview: Player to watch out for, Tactics, Predicted Game XI

It took a long time for the Scots. After enduring several painful near misses in the qualifiers, Scotland are finally back in the FIFA World Cup, extinguishing a 28-year wait.

Scotland’s return was as dramatic as it was protracted. The Scots defeated Denmark 4-2 at home in the final match of UEFA Group C to secure the automatic qualification spot for the World Cup.

Scott McTominay’s winner from that match – an audacious bicycle kick – was recently immortalized on a limited edition Scottish banknote.

At the World Cup, Napoli’s McTominay will carry the burden of Scotland’s expectations, both as a midfield engine room and as a penalty area stormer.

While John McGinn, Andy Robertson and Ryan Christie offer experience and star value, there are areas where Scotland is a little light.

The goalkeeping department remains a headache for Scotland. Angus Gunn, who has played just one game for Nottingham Forest this season, is likely to start in goal – a choice largely driven by the lack of a better alternative.

The other goalkeepers in the squad – Craig Gordon (the tournament’s oldest player) and Liam Kelly – are both benchwarmers in the Scottish league.

Up front, players like Che Adams and Lawrence Shankland are not the most prolific goalscorers. This brings back the over-reliance on goals from midfield, through McTominay and McGinn.

What we can expect is plenty of fight from Scotland as they look to exit the group stage for the first time in the World Cup.

The tournament opener against Haiti will be crucial for that Scottish ambition. With Morocco and Brazil waiting later in the group, it is imperative that Scotland start strong and potentially get a favorable result against the Caribbean country.

Players to watch out for

Scott McTominay: In McTominay, Scotland have an all-round midfielder at the peak of his powers. His shares have risen sharply since his move from Manchester United to Napoli.

The 29-year-old, who is likely to feature as a number 10, is expected to be the conduit for Scotland’s attacking intentions at the World Cup.

COACH

Since Steve Clarke’s appointment in 2019, Scotland have steadily clawed their way out of the international football wilderness.

In 2020, Clarke guided the Scots to the 2020 European Championship, their first major tournament appearance since 1998. Another European Championship qualification followed in 2024, before his side returned to the World Cup. However, his robust defensive approach will be tested in a challenging group.

TEAM

• Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon, Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly.

• Defenders: Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Dom Hyam, Scott McKenna, Nathan Patterson, Anthony Ralston, Andy Robertson, John Souttar, Kieran Tierney.

• Midfielders: Ryan Christie, Findlay Curtis, Lewis Ferguson, Ben Gannon-Doak, Billy Gilmour, John McGinn, Kenny McLean, Scott McTominay.

• Forwards: Ché Adams, Lyndon Dykes, George Hirst, Lawrence Shankland, Ross Stewart.

Published on June 5, 2026