Scotland's World Cup Squad: Ross Stewart's Remarkable Return

Ross Stewart Returns to the Scotland Fold

In a significant development ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, striker Ross Stewart has been named in the Scotland squad, marking his return to international football after a four-year absence. The 29-year-old Southampton forward has impressed with his recent form, netting five goals in his last ten appearances, which played a crucial role in Southampton's journey to the playoff final.

Head coach Steve Clarke expressed his satisfaction with Stewart's inclusion, highlighting the importance of his experience and recent performances. “Ross was in my squad a few years ago,” Clarke noted. “He has had a terrible run of injury. He has hit a rich vein of form since January, big goals in big games.” Stewart's last appearance for Scotland was in a Nations League match against Armenia, and his return is seen as a vital boost for the team.

Scotland's Squad Overview

Clarke has retained a core group of players who have shown promise in recent campaigns, with the squad comprising 26 members. Notably, veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon, aged 43, is included, despite having faced injury challenges. His experience will be critical as Scotland prepares for the high stakes of the World Cup.

Among the new faces is Findlay Curtis, a 19-year-old winger who made his debut earlier this year and finished the season with five goals while on loan at Kilmarnock. However, there are some notable absences, including Lennon Miller, who has been omitted despite a solid season with Udinese.

Scotland's World Cup Group Matches

Scotland is set to face a challenging group in the World Cup, with matches against Haiti on June 14, Morocco on June 19, and Brazil on June 24. The first two group games will take place in Massachusetts, while the final group match will be held in Miami. This setup presents a significant opportunity for Scotland to showcase its talent on an international stage.

Clarke's decision to include Stewart, alongside a mix of experienced and young players, reflects a strategy aimed at balancing experience with youthful energy. As the tournament approaches, fans will be eager to see how this squad performs and if Stewart can capitalize on his recent form to make a meaningful impact.