Scotland's 43-Year-Old Craig Gordon Could Become Second-Oldest World Cup Player Ever as Steve Clarke Names Historic Squad

Steve Clarke has named Scotland's first World Cup squad in 28 years — and it comes with a remarkable piece of history. **Craig Gordon**, the 43-year-old Hearts goalkeeper, has been included and could become the **second-oldest player ever to appear at a World Cup**, behind only Egypt's Essam El-Hadary (45 in 2018).

Gordon's career was nearly ended by a catastrophic knee injury in 2022. His return to professional football — let alone a World Cup squad — is one of Scottish sport's great resilience stories. While he may serve as third-choice behind Angus Gunn and Zander Clark, his presence in the dressing room is invaluable for a squad with zero World Cup experience.

Ross Stewart (Southampton) earned a surprise call-up after a strong Championship season. His aerial presence and hold-up play offer a different dimension to Scotland's attack. But **Oli McBurnie** — who scored 18 Championship goals for Hull City — was controversially omitted, prompting a pointed social media post from his club. Clarke explained that "tactical fit" was prioritized over raw goal numbers.

Midfielder Scott McTominay, now at Napoli and one of Serie A's most improved players, is expected to be Scotland's key man. Scotland are drawn in Group C with Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti — a group where second place is a genuine possibility if Clarke's well-drilled system delivers. The Tartan Army, traveling in numbers not seen since France '98, will make every match feel like a home game.