GLASGOW — Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour has been ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after sustaining a knee injury during Scotland's 4-1 friendly victory over Curaçao at Hampden Park in Glasgow on May 28, 2026. The injury occurred in the first half when Gilmour fell to the turf clutching his knee and was immediately substituted.

A medical scan confirmed the knee injury will require Gilmour to return to his club, Napoli, for rehabilitation. The Scottish FA announced on its official X account: "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 @FIFAWorldCup. We're all with you, Billy."

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke said post-match: "One request was obviously no injuries. He hurt himself in the tackle and then he made the decision he had to come off, so that tells you that he himself knew it wasn't right." He added he was "100% worried" about Gilmour’s injury.

"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." Gilmour’s absence leaves a gap in Scotland’s midfield ahead of their World Cup opener against Haiti in Boston on June 13, 2026.

Findlay Curtis replaced Gilmour in the match and scored Scotland’s first-half equalizer against Curaçao. Clarke confirmed that Tyler Fletcher is one possible replacement for Gilmour in the World Cup squad, noting that Fletcher had joined the team for training that week. "Those three are on standby and obviously Tyler joined us this week. He's trained well this week, so he's a little bit closer than the other three, but I'd need to have a big discussion with my staff and decide the best way to go." Connor Barron, Andy Irving, and Lennon Milligan are also among the standby players not currently in the official squad. Scotland is scheduled to fly to the United States on Sunday, May 31, 2026, to begin final preparations for the tournament.