Steve Clarke Reveals FIFA's 55-Player Provisional Squad Requirement
Steve Clarke shared the information almost in passing during his pre-match press conference ahead of Scotland's friendly against Ivory Coast in Liverpool. The Scotland head coach disclosed that FIFA requires him to submit a provisional list of 55 players for the World Cup squad this summer.
The 62-year-old even joked that he might have to include himself to reach the required number and humorously mentioned the possibility of calling on long-retired coach Steven Naismith for a potential 52nd national team appearance.
"It's a Fifa requirement that you put in a squad, I think it's about 55 names," Clarke said. "And I'm definitely No.55... But I'll find 55, for sure.
"Your 26 will come from that group and there can be late additions too. But hopefully I don't forget anybody. We'll work on it."
Understanding the Provisional Squad Process
Before players nationwide begin checking their passports ahead of the May 11 deadline, it is important to understand the context of Clarke's remarks.
Is Scotland truly going to announce the names of 55 Scottish-qualified footballers, only to disappoint 29 of them three weeks later?
What exactly happens when a player is called up?
Scotland's Base Camp and Upcoming Fixtures
Scotland will host Curacao in a friendly at Hampden on 30 May before traveling to the United States, where they will face Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil in Group C of the World Cup.
Fitness Checks and Provisional Squad Selection
A week or two prior to every international camp, including the current one, a 'fitness for duty' check is sent to an extended pool of players. This group typically numbers around 40, with the Scottish Football Association contacting their clubs to confirm availability.
This list forms the provisional squad, with the final selection required within 15 days of the match. However, this list is not made public. Clubs often do not inform players of their inclusion until the official announcement, which may come on the day of the squad release or when the Scottish FA posts the squad on social media.
The upcoming May list of 55 will follow the same procedure. Clubs will be contacted, players may become aware, FIFA will be notified, and some names might leak, but there will be no formal public unveiling of the provisional squad.
Clarke's Perspective on the Extended List
Clarke, who missed out on the 1990 World Cup despite being named in the provisional squad by Andy Roxburgh, indicated that most players on the extended list will understand they are unlikely to travel to the United States.
"I won't be going around every single name," he said. "I won't be standing in front of the mirror telling myself, 'you're not going either!'"
Stand-By List and Late Changes
The head coach also revealed plans to name a stand-by list from those who do not make the final cut.
"I'd imagine across May when I'm speaking to people – and possibly giving them the news that they haven't made the squad – I'll be telling them they have to be ready.
"Right up until the first game you can change players so we will have a few players on stand-in."
