Steve Clarke wore a broad smile after Scotland's emphatic 4-0 victory over Bolivia at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey, and why wouldn't he? A clean sheet, four goals in the opening half, no injuries, and the kind of performance that builds genuine momentum heading into a major tournament. Yet sitting alongside that satisfaction is a straightforward problem: who starts against Haiti on Sunday?
"I've got some decisions to make," Clarke admitted after the pre-tournament win, before offering a line worth remembering: "The starting XI becomes a fixation, but this is a tournament for your finishing XI." Sound advice — but those opening selections still matter, and there are at least three areas where Clarke's choices are far from settled.
Gordon or Gunn between the sticks?
Squad numbers, as a general rule, mean very little. Goalkeepers are different. Angus Gunn was publicly confirmed as Scotland's first-choice when the squad list was finalised earlier in the week — and the Nottingham Forest man completed the full 90 minutes against Bolivia, making one notable save in what was otherwise a comfortable evening. He will have been happy enough with that.
The complication is Craig Gordon. The Heart of Midlothian veteran appeared to receive something of a fond farewell at Hampden the previous Saturday when he was replaced after 77 minutes against Curaçao — but there is a feeling within the camp that Gordon, who at 43 would be the oldest player at this summer's World Cup, deserves the chance to appear on the biggest stage after injury cost him his place at Euro 2024. Neither goalkeeper has had significant club minutes this season, which makes the decision harder still. Clarke holds the casting vote, and it is not obviously straightforward.
Who lines up alongside Hanley in central defence?
Full-backs Aaron Hickey and Andy Robertson appear nailed down, but the centre-back partnership remains genuinely competitive. Grant Hanley, the 34-year-old Hibernian defender, was again solid and dependable against Bolivia — Clarke himself praised the defensive unit's compactness and discipline, even if the level of opposition must be factored in. Hanley's place looks secure.
His partner is less certain. Jack Hendry was commanding in New Jersey, and his three seasons playing club football in Saudi Arabia for Al Ettifaq arguably left him best placed to handle the heat of a North American summer. He made his case emphatically. John Souttar and Scott McKenna started against Curaçao — McKenna was unfortunate to be caught out for the concession — and both remain in contention. Hendry, though, looks to have the edge heading into Sunday.
Kieran Tierney, once the central talking point of every Scotland tactical debate, barely features in the current conversation — an illustration of quite how much the squad dynamic has shifted.
The midfield puzzle
Perhaps the most intriguing question is which players miss out in the engine room. Against Bolivia, Scotland's four-man midfield were outstanding across the first half, pressing high, covering ground and providing the platform for the goals that followed. The quality available to Clarke in that area of the pitch is arguably the squad's greatest luxury — and its biggest selection dilemma.
Scott McTominay's contribution was again central to Scotland's rhythm and creativity, but Clarke must decide how to configure around him and which midfielders sit out entirely. Having genuine competition in the middle of the park is a nice problem to have, but someone with real quality will find themselves on the bench from the first whistle in Boston.
The bigger picture
Scotland's preparations have gone about as well as a head coach could reasonably hope. The squad looks settled, morale is high, and a thumping win over Bolivia has given the group every reason for confidence. Clarke is experienced enough to know that warm-up results can flatter as easily as they can deceive — but there is a conviction about this squad that feels different from previous tournaments.
The World Cup opener against Haiti arrives on Sunday, and the decisions Clarke makes in the next 48 hours will set the tone for everything that follows.
FAQs
Frequently asked
- Who is Scotland's number one goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup?
- Angus Gunn was confirmed as Scotland's first-choice goalkeeper when the squad was announced, though Craig Gordon also featured in pre-tournament warm-up fixtures and his experience means the situation is not entirely clear-cut.
- Who are Scotland playing first at the 2026 World Cup?
- Scotland's opening match at the 2026 World Cup is against Haiti on Sunday. The fixture takes place in the United States as part of the North American-hosted tournament.
- Is Craig Gordon going to the 2026 World Cup?
- Yes, Craig Gordon is part of Steve Clarke's Scotland squad for the 2026 World Cup. At 43, he would be the oldest player at the tournament if he features, having missed Euro 2024 through injury.