Meknes- The Scottish Football Association has confirmed on Saturday that Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour will miss the World Cup after suffering a knee injury.
The 24-year-old sustained the injury during Scotland’s 4-1 win against Curaçao in their final World Cup warm-up match. He is now set to return to Napoli to begin rehabilitation.
“We regret to announce that the knee injury sustained by Billy Gilmour in today’s win over Curaçao will rule him out of participation in FIFA World Cup 2026,” the Scottish FA stated.
“Everyone involved with the Scotland Men’s National Team wishes Billy a speedy recovery. He will now return to his club, SSC Napoli, to commence rehabilitation,” they added.
Speaking on the injury, Scotland manager Steve Clarke said: “I am devastated for Billy because he has been an integral part of our World Cup qualifying campaign.”
“He knows what we all think of him as a footballer and a person,” Clarke added. “I am certain Billy will have many major tournaments ahead of him in the future.”
To replace Gilmour, Scotland has called up 19-year-old Manchester United midfielder Tyler Fletcher. The son of former Scotland star Darren Fletcher will now join the squad heading to the tournament.
Fletcher was one of five youngsters invited to train with the team this past week, quickly impressing manager Steve Clarke.
The teenager made his senior international debut during the same 4-1 win against Curaçao in which Gilmour was injured, coming just before Scotland’s first World Cup appearance since 1998.
Scotland will be Morocco’s second opponent in Group C, with the two teams set to face off on June 19. For the Atlas Lions, this match will be key to securing a spot in the next round, as they also share a tough group with Brazil and Haiti.
