World Cup 2026: Steve Clarke “more or less” set on Scotland’s squad but “undecided” over two positions
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has revealed he remains “undecided” over two positions in his World Cup squad.
However, the 62-year-old admits he has “more or less” settled on the rest of his group as Scotland prepare to return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
Clarke will name an initial 55-man pool that will then be cut down to a final 26-player group who fly out to the USA for a pre-tournament camp in Fort Lauderdale before their opening game against Haiti on June 14 (2am).
Scotland’s World Cup Group C games
- Haiti vs Scotland – June 14, Boston, 2am (UK time)
- Scotland vs Morocco – June 19, Boston, 11pm (UK time)
- Scotland vs Brazil – June 24, Miami, 11pm (UK time)
The core of the team who qualified for the tournament, including the likes of captain Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Billy Gilmour, Kenny McLean and co will all likely be on the plane to America.
However, there are question marks around his No 1. Injuries and a lack of game time at club level have meant that, since the Euros, six players have been thrown the gloves – and the top two on that list are currently not playing for their clubs.
Angus Gunn started all three Euro 2024 games, but has played just 45 minutes for Nottingham Forest. Meanwhile, Craig Gordon has had his game time limited at Hearts due to injuries, and the form of Alexander Schwolow.
Scotland appearances since Euro 2024
- Angus Gunn – 8
- Craig Gordon – 8
- Liam Kelly – 1
- Scott Bain – 1
- Ross Doohan – 1
- Cieran Slicker – 1
Clarke told Sky Sports: “It’s going to be difficult now [for new names to break into the squad] with only two or three weeks of the season to go. I’m more or less set in my mind.
“If I’m being honest, I’ve probably still got two positions where I haven’t quite decided what to do or who to pick.
“There’s also the thought of how many defenders do I take? How many midfielders? How many forwards? Just to try and get that balance right, so that when we get there the squad is capable of playing the way I want them to play in certain matches, and making sure we are in the best possible shape.”
Enable Cookies
Allow Cookies Once
Clarke was speaking at the PFA Scotland awards night, where he was awarded the Special Merit award after leading the national team to their first men’s World Cup since 1998.
The prize has been won in recent years by Sir Alex Ferguson, Graeme Souness and Sir Kenny Dalglish, with Clarke adding his name to that list, having become the first head coach to qualify for three major tournaments.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Clarke is not focused on his future beyond this summer’s World Cup, insisting he is “not bothered” when his contract is decided
“It’s a reflection of how well the team have done, said Clarke. “I’ve had help from the coaches, and a massive help from the players and we’ve managed to get to a World Cup after so long – 28 years. For a country like Scotland – that is too long. The reaction since we qualified tells you that.
“It brings its own stresses, and there are lots of things to organise – but it’s been enjoyable. To be at the World Cup, now our third tournament we’ve qualified for – the first one was a little bit Covid-affected, then obviously going to Germany for Euro 2024 was a great experience.
“We have a little bit more tournament experience now. We knew what we were looking for, and we’ve managed to secure some fantastic facilities out in the USA that hopefully will help us prepare for the tournament. Hopefully, this time, we get it right and qualify out of the group.”
