Stewart, Curtis, or Gordon: Who Will Join Scotland's World Cup Squad?
On Tuesday, Scotland head coach Steve Clarke will announce his World Cup squad, a selection eagerly anticipated after the nation's 28-year absence from football's biggest stage. Only 26 players will be chosen, and while Clarke's tenure has been marked by loyalty and consistency, there remain several difficult decisions regarding who will travel to the United States.
Scotland examines some of the pivotal questions Clarke faces ahead of the squad announcement.
Stewart or McBurnie to Capitalise on Conway Injury?
Ross Stewart's name continues to be prominent in discussions, and justifiably so. The Southampton forward has had an impressive 2026 season, despite missing much of the first half due to a hamstring injury. He has scored five goals in his last ten appearances, including a key goal in Southampton's Championship promotion play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough. At 29, Stewart has two caps for Scotland, last appearing in 2022, and now looks forward to the play-off final where he will face another World Cup hopeful, Oli McBurnie.
McBurnie, playing for Hull City, has also enjoyed a productive season, netting 18 goals in 41 appearances. The 29-year-old striker has expressed confidence in his abilities, revealing last month that he contacted Clarke to inquire about his absence from the national team.
Both players have been central to recent discussions among Scotland supporters, especially following an unfortunate injury to Middlesbrough forward Tommy Conway. The 22-year-old was forced off the pitch in tears 73 minutes into the match against Stewart's Southampton. Although the club has not disclosed details, it is widely believed Conway will miss out on the squad.
Has Curtis Timed His Run to Perfection?
Findlay Curtis could also benefit from Conway's injury setback. The 19-year-old winger, who made his Scotland debut off the bench in a friendly against Japan and was included in the squad for matches against Japan and Ivory Coast, has surged into prominence with outstanding performances for Kilmarnock. He scored four goals in five post-split matches under Neil McCann, capturing attention well beyond Ayrshire. Clarke has been present at Rugby Park to witness Curtis's impact firsthand.
Former Livingston manager Marvin Bartley strongly supports Curtis's inclusion, stating:
"He definitely should go because Scotland need him."
Sportscene pundit Scott Allan echoed this view:
"It's very early in his career to be going to a World Cup, but we just don't have enough players throughout the squad who can come on and influence a game with that sort of pace and directness. He is someone who can get you up the pitch."
Is 43-Year-Old Gordon Set to Feature?
Craig Gordon's omission from the Euro 2024 squad surprised many and seemed to signal the end of his international career. However, the veteran goalkeeper has defied expectations by returning to the Scotland team five months after missing the tournament in Germany. Gordon played a crucial role in Scotland's qualification for the upcoming World Cup, delivering key saves in the defeat to Greece and starting in the memorable victory against Denmark.
Earlier this year, Gordon sustained a shoulder injury weeks after making a remarkable save for Hearts against Dundee, sidelining him since late January. Recently, he has returned to training with Hearts, demonstrating his commitment to regain fitness.
Scott Bain was called up for the last Scotland camp and performed well during his half against Ivory Coast in Liverpool. However, he suffered an ankle injury in the Scottish Cup semi-final against Dunfermline and missed subsequent matches, including Dunfermline's final game against Rangers.
Gordon aims to become the second-oldest player to feature at a World Cup, at 43 years and five months old.
Who Else Is in the Maybe Mix?
Dominic Hyam has been intermittently involved with Scotland squads over several years but made his first start at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last month. His assured defensive performance has drawn attention and, combined with a potential injury to Grant Hanley, could secure his place on the plane.
Hanley, a trusted member of Clarke's squad, was forced off during Hibernian's recent defeat to Motherwell with what head coach David Gray described as an overstretched knee. Hanley's fitness remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Kieron Bowie, Hanley's former Hibs teammate, continues to impress in Italy's Serie A. The 23-year-old scored a stoppage-time equaliser for Hellas Verona against Inter Milan, disrupting the latter's title celebrations.
Lennon Miller has also been regularly included in recent squads but did not feature in the recent friendlies, earning his last of four caps during a 2-1 win over Belarus in October.
As the squad announcement approaches, many players face uncertainty, but for the 26 selected, the call confirming their inclusion in Scotland's World Cup squad will be a momentous achievement.
