Scotland's first World Cup in 28 years: what to expect from the squad in 2026

Scotland returns to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998 after a 28-year absence.

Uncharted territory for the 26-man squad Every single player in Steve Clarke’s 26-man squad will be stepping into unknown territory as Scotland ends a 28-year absence from the men’s World Cup this weekend. While many of the squad have European Championship experience, none have played on the sport’s biggest stage, where the world’s attention turns to the boys in dark blue. This marks a first for an entire generation of players and fans who grew up without their national team in major tournaments, finally eliminating the need for a backup squad. The return to the global spotlight brings both excitement and a sense of historical significance as Scotland prepares for its must-win opener. ## Stressful preparations and selection nerves The build-up to the tournament, including the frantic scramble to book flights and accommodations, may have been the most stressful part of the process for the players, according to 1998 World Cup squad members Paul Lambert and Rachel Corsie. Corsie, who captained Scotland at the women’s World Cup in 2019, described the anxiety around staying fit, avoiding injuries, and earning selection, saying: 'I want to be in the best condition of my life. I want to get selected, I want to be playing for my club, there’s so many things that you’re thinking and you just think, I just want us to get there.' Lambert added that the moment of being chosen made the summer feel like the greatest tournament imaginable, calling it 'the best tournament.' ## Reality hits in the tunnel with legends Darren Jackson, who made his international debut at age 28, explained that it wasn’t until he stood in the Stade de France tunnel for the opening match against Brazil that the enormity of the moment truly hit him. 'When you’re standing in the tunnel and the guy standing next to you is Ronaldo, reality kicks in,' he recalled. Jackson described the surrounding teammates—Rivaldo, Dunga, Roberto Carlos, Cafu—as a lineup that made the occasion feel surreal and overwhelming, turning a dream into a breathtaking reality. ## A once-in-a-lifetime dream moment Paul Lambert, a Champions League winner, described the World Cup as the ultimate childhood dream, saying: 'It's what you dream of when you’re playing in the streets with your mates.' He emphasized that fatigue and future concerns fade away, leaving only the focus on the games and the magnitude of the occasion. Rachel Corsie cautioned against overthinking the moment, admitting she may have missed out on fully enjoying it, and urged the current squad to embrace the experience wholeheartedly. 'This is going to be a moment in your career you’re going to cherish for the rest of your life,' she said. 'Your family and friends will be so proud.' ## Squad chemistry and club-like togetherness The sense of camaraderie in the 1998 squad was strong, with Lambert highlighting the 'club atmosphere' Craig Brown cultivated, making long hours and downtime easier to endure. Jackson described the team as close-knit, with players mixing freely at meals and meetings, saying: 'We didn’t all just sit in the same seats in the meetings or at dinner, you just came in and sat with anybody and everyone got along.' The current squad shares similar bonding rituals today, including rounds of golf and PlayStation sessions, while Corsie remembered card games and coffee trips during extensive travel in France, joking that John McGinn once called John Souttar the team barista. ## Gifts and keepsakes to remember the journey The Scotland players received thoughtful gifts upon arriving at their Charlotte base camp, including a photo of their younger selves wearing Scotland shirts and a handwritten note from captain Andy Robertson delivered in a gift box to each teammate. Jackson and Lambert did not receive such mementos from captain Colin Hendry, but Jackson still possesses the kilt he famously wore in Paris and souvenirs like a keyring and pennant from Brazil. Corsie kept ticket stubs and coffee shop stickers, insisting that a reliable coffee station was the most vital amenity at the World Cup. ## Final advice: embrace and enjoy the pinnacle Jackson left the current squad with simple but powerful advice: 'The most important thing is you’ve got to embrace it. You’ve got to enjoy it because it’s the pinnacle you’ve got there.' Reflecting on a childhood dream of pulling on a Scotland shirt and stepping onto a World Cup pitch, he stressed that representing the country at this level is something no player ever imagines happening until it does. The squad has waited decades for this moment, and every player now has the chance to create memories that will last a lifetime.