Craig Gordon named Scotland's oldest World Cup player

Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, at 43 years old, has become the oldest player selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, capping a remarkable personal comeback as the national team ends a 28-year absence from the tournament. Gordon, born on December 31, 1982, was named in manager Steve Clarke's final 26-man squad and is currently with the team at their base camp in Charlotte, North Carolina, preparing for their Group C opener against Haiti on June 14.

The veteran Hearts goalkeeper earned his place after playing a pivotal role in the final stages of qualification, including a key 4-2 victory over Denmark in November 2025 that secured Scotland's spot. That appearance made him the oldest European to play in a World Cup qualifier, breaking a record previously held by Stanley Matthews. Gordon's path to the tournament was arduous, marked by a season limited to just three club appearances due to injury and a recent recovery from significant neck surgery where he faced serious medical risks.

Gordon has acknowledged that without the goal of reaching this World Cup, he likely would have retired already. He said it is magnificent to finally be here after believing the opportunity had passed...