Predicted Scotland World Cup 2026 XI

For the first time since 1998, Scotland will be playing at the World Cup. After their heroic win over Denmark back in November, the Tartan Army’s place at the tournament was secured.

Today, we’ll look at how Scotland might line up for their first game at the 2026 World Cup. We’ve included players from clubs such as Aston Villa, Liverpool and Bournemouth in our XI – do you agree with our picks?

GK: Scott Bain

Some may gravitate toward the sentimental choice of Craig Gordon here – but based on their overall performances this season, Scott Bain deserves to be Scotland’s main man between the sticks at the 2026 World Cup.

Falkirk have had an excellent season in the Scottish Premiership this season, with Bain playing in almost all of their league games. As things stand, he has kept seven clean sheets from 30 Scottish Premiership games in 2025/26.

RB: Aaron Hickey

Aaron Hickey has had rotten luck with injuries this season, but he should be fit to play by the time that the World Cup rolls around. Anthony Ralston is another option, but Hickey is the superior pick out of the two.

An excellent attacking full-back, Hickey can also function as a left-back or as a wide midfielder – this sort of adaptability can be a godsend at a major international tournament.

CB: Scott McKenna

Battling centre-back Scott McKenna was an absolute warrior for the Tartan Army in their qualification bid – he should maintain his spot, given the lack of better options.

We don’t mean to be reductive – McKenna will make it into the team on merit, not just sentimentality. He has been outstanding for Dinamo Zagreb this season, scoring two goals and notching up three assists from the heart of defence.

CB: Grant Hanley

A similar player to McKenna, Grant Hanley and he have formed a defensive partnership for Scotland over the past year. It isn’t always successful, but they’re both very effective when it comes to defending set-pieces and long balls into the box.

A veteran of international football, his vast experience in the game could prove to be vital at the World Cup. Aged 24, he currently plays for Hibs, having joined the club in the previous summer transfer window.

LB: Andy Robertson

The legendary Andy Robertson has never been able to replicate his Liverpool success on the international stage. As such, the 32-year-old will enter the World Cup with a point to prove.

At his best, Robertson is still among the best left-backs in the world. His work-rate is peerless – furthermore, he can also make a strong contribution at both ends of the pitch. There’s a reason Jurgen Klopp liked him so much – he’s an incredibly multi-faceted full-back.

CM: Billy Gilmour

Lewis Ferguson may be most people’s first choice here, but he has led a poor campaign at Bologna this season by his standard. Billy Gilmour, despite having suffered an injury that saw him sidelined for much of the season, has been far more impressive by comparison.

On his best day, Gilmour is a magnificent midfield metronome. One’s mind draws back to Scotland’s 0-0 draw with England in Euro 2020, where he dictated the tempo and controlled the midfield against the Three Lions. It was a fantastic display, but he has yet to replicate it on the international stage.

CM: Ryan Christie

Ryan Christie’s involvement for Bournemouth has been limited in the Premier League this season, but this is largely due to injuries – he still has what it takes to perform his duties at the highest level of the game.

With 64 Scotland caps under his belt, Christie is amongst the most experienced international players that Clarke can call upon.

RW: John McGinn

Of course, John McGinn generally plays in central midfield, but he has routinely occupied the right-wing/right midfield spot whilst on international duty with Scotland.

Thanks to his excellent ability on the ball and pinpoint crossing, McGinn is actually able to be very effective in this role. He has scored four goals in the Premier League for Aston Villa this season, alongside a pair of assists.

AM: Scott McTominay

Scott McTominay is Scotland’s star man at the moment – therefore, if fit, you can expect the Napoli ace to be the first name on Steve Clarke’s team sheet.

A classic goal-scoring midfielder, Scotland will expect McTominay to be their focal point where goal contributions are concerned. His movement, composure and set-piece ability make him a dynamic threat all over the pitch.

LW: Ben Gannon-Doak

Ben Gannon-Doak missed a significant portion of the season due to injury – however, thanks to Scotland’s lack of quality wingers, his place in the XI remains more or less secure.

He has only played in five Premier League games for Bournemouth this season, registering a single assist along the way. Were it not for his injury, his numbers would likely be far more impressive.

ST: Che Adams

Che Adams can always be relied upon to put forth a honest shift – even if he doesn’t always find the back of the net. He sneaks in ahead of Lyndon Dykes on account of him playing at a higher level this season – Dykes is currently at Charlton Athletic in the Championship.

With four goals and three assists in 27 Serie A games for Torino, his performances this season have left something to be desired, but he can be a real handful when he’s on his A-game.