Scotland have been dealt a blow to their World Cup 2026 preparation as influential midfielder Billy Gilmour has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury.
The 24-year-old suffered a knee issue during Scotland’s 4-1 victory over Curacao at Hampden Park on Saturday and sank to the turf unchallenged before calling for the physios.
After receiving some treatment on the pitch, Gilmour was substituted off before the end of the first half and departing the playing surface unaided. That raised hopes that his injury was not a serious issue but following further tests the decision has been made to rule him out for the tournament which begins in two week’s time.
Gilmour will now return to his domestic club, Napoli, for rehabilitation.
The Scotland National Team announced the news on social media and posted a statement on X, formerly Twitter. It reads: “We regret to announce that the knee injury sustained by Billy Gilmour in today’s win over Curacao will rule him out of participation in @FIFAWorldCup.
“We’re all with you, Billy.”
Gilmour had initially been called up to Scotland’s 26-man squad by manager Steve Clarke and looked set to play a crucial role in the team’s World Cup campaign alongside Napoli teammate Scott McTominay in the middle of the pitch.
Clarke said: “I am devastated for Billy because he has been an integral part of our World Cup qualifying campaign. The timing of this injury is so, so cruel and we all feel for him.
“He knows what we all think of him as a footballer and a person and while no words will give him any comfort tonight, I am certain Billy will have many major tournaments ahead of him in the future.”
Scotland next play a warm-up game against Bolivia on June 6 before their first World Cup game against Haiti in Boston on June 14.
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