Steve Clarke set to announce final Scotland World Cup squad

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke is set to announce his final squad for this summer’s World Cup.

In North America, on June 14 at 2am, UK time, the men’s side will kick off against Haiti at its first finals since 1998.

Scotland then take on Morocco on June 19 at 11pm, before facing off against Brazil on June 24 at 11pm.

Ahead of that, the national side face Curacao at Hampden Park on May 30 before their final warm-up game against Bolivia on June 6 in Harrison, New Jersey.

At 12pm on Tuesday, Steve Clarke will announce his final 26-man squad for the tournament.

Participating teams must register a squad of 23-26 players, including three goalkeepers.

In the event of a serious injury or illness, a player can be replaced by someone from the provisional squad no later than 24 hours before their team’s first match at the World Cup.

All 48 national associations were asked to submit the provisional squad of up to 55 players to the world governing body Fifa before finalising their squad for the finals; however, they are not required to make those public.

Scotland squad: Who’s in and out?

Last month, Clarke, known for remaining loyal to players who have served him well, said he was “more or less set” on the 26 he intends to take to the finals.

Proven performers like John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, and captain Andy Robertson will be pivotal as Scotland aim to reach the knockout stages for the first time.

Centre-half Scott McKenna and John Souttar have overcome late injury doubts; however, Hibs’ Grant Hanley, who was expected to be part of the squad, appeared to suffer a knee injury against Motherwell.

Hibernian's Grant Hanley looks dejected after going down injured — Hibernian’s Grant Hanley looks dejected after going down injured SNS Group

This could open a spot for the likes of Stephen Welsh, the 26-year-old Celtic centre-back, who has just finished his loan spell at Motherwell.

In the striker department, Lawrence Shankland, Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes are considered certainties for the squad.

However, there could be a forward spot up for grabs after Middlesbrough striker Tommy Conway suffered an injury in during his sides Championship play-off semi-final with Southampton.

Hull City striker Oli McBurnie, who finished the season as the Championship’s joint-second highest scorer with 17 goals, could potentially be recalled after a five-year absence from the national team.

Oliver McBurnie in action during a World Cup qualifier between Scotland and the Faroe Islands SNS Group

The 29-year-old won the last of his 17 Scotland caps against the Faroe Islands in 2021.

Southampton’s Ross Stewart could also have caught the eye of Steve Clarke ahead of the finals. The former Ross County and Sunderland player scored a crucial goal as his side reached the Championship play-off final.

Winger Findlay Curtis, who was promoted from the Scotland Under-21s for the first time in March, could also be a surprise addition following a fine end to the season on loan with Kilmarnock, and Ipswich Town frontman George Hirst will also be in consideration.

Kieron Bowie could be another contender for a surprise call-up despite not making the last two squads.