Scotland World Cup return: Players share what it's like to play on

Scotland will end a 28-year absence from the men's World Cup this weekend, as Steve Clarke's 26-man squad prepares for uncharted territory. While many players have European Championship experience, none have played on the biggest stage of all. For a generation of Scots—players and fans alike—who have grown up without their home nation in the tournament, this is a new experience.

Former players describe the 'surreal' experience

BBC Sport Scotland spoke to members of the 1998 World Cup squad—Darren Jackson and Paul Lambert—as well as Rachel Corsie, who captained Scotland at the women's finals in 2019. All three described the experience as "surreal."

Build-up and selection stress

Lambert and Corsie noted that the build-up, when fans frantically book travel, can be the most stressful part. "You're like, I want to be in the best condition of my life," Corsie said. "I don't want to get hurt, I want to get selected, I want to be playing for my club, there's so many things that you're thinking and you just think, I just want us to get there."

Lambert added: "It feels like endless build-up. Then, when you're selected, that's when it really sinks in that you know the summer could be the greatest tournament for the national team. It's the best tournament."

Reality kicks in on the pitch

Jackson, who did not make his international debut until age 28, said it wasn't until he lined up in the Stade de France for the tournament opener against Brazil that things felt real. "When you're standing in the tunnel and the guy standing next to you is Ronaldo, reality kicks in," he explained, referring to the Brazilian legend.

Scotland's 2026 World Cup opener against Haiti

Scotland's first match in the 2026 World Cup is against Haiti on Sunday, 14 June at 02:00 BST at Boston Stadium, United States. While the opponent may lack the glamour of Brazil, the occasion remains momentous. "It's what you dream of when you're playing in the streets with your mates," Lambert said. "There's no fatigue. You don't have time for fatigue and you don't think about the season that's going to come up on you in a few months' time. All you do is think about the games and the occasion you're going to play."

Balancing enjoyment and focus

Corsie reflected on her own experience, cautioning players to enjoy the moment. "I probably leaned too heavily into trying to not let the occasion be something that threw me off," she said. "I probably felt I probably didn't let myself enjoy it enough, and that would be the one thing I would say, that I hope the players do manage to enjoy it. Because this is going to be a moment in your career you're going to cherish for the rest of your life. Your family and friends will be so proud."