Steve Clarke has delivered his boldest squad yet for a World Cup, naming a 26-man roster that includes a shock return from 43-year-old Craig Gordon, the oldest player ever to wear Scotland’s dark blue. The Hearts goalkeeper, who last played in February after a shoulder injury, will join Angus Gunn and Liam Kelly in goal as Scotland targets a first knockout-stage appearance in Qatar.

Gordon’s recall marks a seismic shift in Clarke’s approach, coming just two days after Scotland secured qualification with a dramatic penalty shootout against Denmark in Copenhagen. The 2019 UEFA Champions League winner with Celtic, who claimed a domestic treble unbeaten in 2019-20, brings 83 caps and a wealth of big-game experience to a dressing room still searching for its first World Cup victory.

Clarke, who became the first manager to guide Scotland to three major tournaments in four attempts, has reshaped his squad around experience and leadership. Andy Robertson, capped 92 times, will lead the side in what could be his final World Cup campaign, while Celtic’s Kieran Tierney returns fully fit after years of injury struggles. Robertson’s emotional reaction to qualification—tears streaming down his face as he spoke of missing out with Liverpool in 2022—underscores the magnitude of the moment.

The squad’s average age is 28.7, the highest for Scotland at a major tournament since 1998, reflecting Clarke’s gamble on seasoned heads over raw talent. Gordon’s inclusion, however, is the headline grabber. The former Celtic shot-stopper, who broke David Weir’s Scotland age record in 2024, was omitted from the provisional Euro 2024 squad and has played just two competitive games since November 2023.

Clarke’s decision to hand the armband to Robertson—a Liverpool legend who will leave Anfield this summer after nearly a decade—sends a clear message: this is a team built for legacy, not just participation. Robertson, who has played 377 games for Liverpool, scored 14 goals and provided 69 assists, said qualification “will go down as one of the greatest nights of my life.” His partnership with Tierney, whose resilience has been tested by multiple injuries, offers stability at the back.

The road to Qatar is already littered with obstacles. Scotland’s last World Cup appearance was in 1998, and their six failed qualifying campaigns since have fueled a narrative of near-misses. But Clarke’s squad now includes players with Champions League-winning pedigree, a captain who has lifted every trophy bar the World Cup, and a goalkeeper who could rewrite history.

Gordon’s fitness remains the biggest question. The Hearts stopper has not played since February, and his recall comes amid a club season where he managed just three league appearances. Yet, Clarke’s track record of reviving careers—most notably his own path from Kilmarnock’s second-bottom finish in 2017 to European football—suggests he sees something others don’t.

1. First — Gordon’s recall is a tactical masterstroke, or a gamble that could backfire spectacularly.
2. Second — Robertson’s leadership is the glue that holds a team together in high-pressure moments.
3. Third — Tierney’s fitness is the X-factor; fully fit, he’s among Europe’s best left-backs.

The World Cup kicks off in November 2026, and for the first time in 28 years, Scotland will be there. Whether they can make the knockout stages—or even pull off a shock like Gordon’s return—will define Clarke’s legacy and shape the future of Scottish football.