Scotland

Steve Clarke names first squad of 2026 as World Cup preparations ramp up

Scotland Men's Head Coach Steve Clarke has named his first squad of 2026 as Scotland make an eagerly anticipated return to action next week, competing for the first time since November's dramatic victory over Denmark.

Image: Steve Clarke names first squad of 2026 as World Cup preparations ramp up [Migrated]

Scotland face Japan on Saturday, 28 March at Barclays Hampden before taking in Cote D'Ivoire on Tuesday, 31 March at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, as preparations ramp up for this summer's FIFA World Cup.

Tickets for the match against Japan can be purchased here, with five match packages also available for the matches that will take place in Glasgow throughout 2026.

Clarke has named a squad of 26 for the friendly double header and the group are boosted by the return of midfielders Billy Gilmour and Lennon Miller who both missed the last camp through injury.

Vice-captain John McGinn and Scott McTominay are also both included after recently returning to action with their respective clubs.

There is a first-time call-up for winger Findlay Curtis who is promoted from the Scotland Under-21s.

Tommy Conway and Nathan Patterson, who were both last in the squad in June, and Ross McCrorie - who won his solitary cap in June 2024 - are also all back in the fold.

Aaron Hickey is absent through injury, while the games also come too soon for Ben Gannon-Doak and Lawrence Shankland who are both returning from injury lay-offs.

There is a change in the goalkeeping department with Angus Gunn - who missed the November camp - replacing Craig Gordon who is out.

There are also general sale tickets for the match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium available through Everton's website.

Both matches will be live for supporters to watch on BBC.

Scotland Squad

Goalkeepers

Scott Bain Falkirk Angus Gunn Nottingham Forest Liam Kelly Rangers Defender

Grant Hanley Hibernian Jack Hendry Al-Etiffaq Dominic Hyam Wrexham Ross McCrorie Bristol City Scott McKenna Dinamo Zagreb Nathan Patterson Everton Anthony Ralston Celtic Andy Robertson Liverpool John Souttar Rangers Kieran Tierney Celtic

Midfielders

Ryan Christie AFC Bournemouth Lewis Ferguson Bologna Billy Gilmour Napoli Andrew Irving Sparta Prague John McGinn Aston Villa Kenny McLean Norwich City Scott McTominay Napoli Lennon Miller Udinese

Forwards

Ché Adams Torino Tommy Conway Middlesbrough Findlay Curtis Kilmarnock (on loan from Rangers) Lyndon Dykes Charlton Athletic George Hirst Ipswich Town

Steve Clarke surprises pupils at Kirklandneuk Primary School

Steve Clarke named his squad at Kirklandneuk Primary School, meeting with pupils who take part in the Extra Time programme. Extra Time is a joint initiative between the Scottish Government and the Scottish FA that provides funding for over 50 local football clubs and trusts to offer free access to before school, after school and holiday clubs for targeted primary school children from families on low income.

The session was delivered by the St Mirren Charity Foundation. After conducting his squad announcement press conference in the school, National Team Head Coach Clarke was grilled by some questions from the pupils.

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