World Cup 2026: Angus Gunn, Uncapped Findlay Curtis Included As Scotland Squad For Japan And Ivory Coast Warm-Up Matches Revealed
Teenage winger findlay curtis has been named in Scotland’s squad for two World Cup warm-up friendlies, a surprise selection as manager Steve Clarke prepares the side for the 2026 finals.
Findlay Curtis Called Up To Scotland Squad
Findlay Curtis, 19, is a surprise inclusion in the 26-man group selected for friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast. Curtis joined Kilmarnock on loan from Rangers in January and had played 26 times in the first half of the campaign at Ibrox. This is the first senior call-up for the winger, who is uncapped at international level.
Role And Club Form For findlay curtis
Clarke has given findlay curtis a chance to stake a claim in a squad that has limited depth in wide attacking areas. The young winger’s loan spell at Kilmarnock and earlier appearances for Rangers at Ibrox have earned him the opportunity to impress ahead of the summer finals.
Squad Context And Upcoming Friendlies
Scotland face Japan at Hampden Park on March 28 at 5: 00 pm ET, then travel to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium to play Ivory Coast on March 31 at 7: 00 pm ET. The squad includes goalkeepers Scott Bain, Angus Gunn and Liam Kelly. Angus Gunn returns to the group despite limited club minutes this season, and Wrexham centre-back Dominic Hyam and Middlesbrough striker Tommy Conway have been recalled.
Everton right-back Nathan Patterson is included after missing the World Cup qualifying campaign earlier in the season through injury. Napoli’s Billy Gilmour returns after missing the last camp, while Scott McTominay and John McGinn are also in the squad. Bournemouth’s Ben Gannon-Doak has been left out as he works back to full fitness, while Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland and Aaron Hickey are absent as they near recovery from their own injuries.
Manager Steve Clarke will use the two friendlies to evaluate the squad and finalise preparations ahead of the World Cup finals, with players like Findlay Curtis hoping to convert a surprise call-up into a place in the travelling party.
