Ross Stewart ends four-year exile to join Scotland's 2026 charge

Southampton forward Ross Stewart earns a surprise recall to Steve Clarke's World Cup squad following a prolific resurgence in domestic football.

Clarke selects Stewart for North American mission

Steve Clarke has finalized his 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup, delivering a major surprise by recalling Ross Stewart after a lengthy hiatus from the international stage. The Southampton striker has not featured for his country since a brief cameo against Armenia in the Nations League four years ago, but his recent clinical performance in club football proved impossible for the coaching staff to ignore.

Stewart’s inclusion comes on the heels of a late-season surge where he netted five goals across ten appearances. This scoring streak was instrumental in guiding Southampton through the promotion playoffs and convinced Clarke that the 29-year-old provides the necessary physical presence and finishing ability required for the challenges of a World Cup group stage.

Experience meets youth in final selection

The squad announcement also confirmed that veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon will travel to North America at the age of 43. Gordon’s longevity continues to defy expectations, offering a wealth of leadership to a Scottish side aiming to make an impact on the global stage. His presence provides a stabilizing influence for a defensive unit that will face elite opposition in the coming weeks.

However, the selection process inevitably resulted in difficult omissions. Lennon Miller and Oli McBurnie were the most notable names left out of the final traveling party. While Miller represents the next generation of Scottish talent, Clarke has opted for the proven momentum of Stewart and the seasoned reliability of his veteran core.

Tactical flexibility for the group stage

By integrating Stewart into the attack, Scotland gains a different profile of forward compared to their existing options. Clarke has emphasized the need for a varied offensive arsenal to navigate the unique conditions of the 2026 tournament. Stewart’s ability to lead the line and his recent efficiency in front of goal suggest he could be a vital asset coming off the bench or starting against physically demanding opponents.

As the Tartan Army prepares for their first World Cup appearance in this expanded format, the blend of Stewart’s hunger and Gordon’s experience defines the identity of a squad looking to advance beyond the opening round for the first time in history.

Source: The Guardian Football

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