Billy Gilmour Ruled Out Of 2026 World Cup With Knee Injury

Scotland hit by Gilmour blow as midfielder misses World Cup

Billy Gilmour ruled out of Scotland’s first World Cup since 1998 after picking up a knee injury vs Curacao. Clarke says “Billy will have many major tournaments ahead.”

“I am certain Billy will have many ‌major tournaments ahead of him in the future...”

Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup after picking up a knee injury in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Curacao, the Scottish FA confirmed.

The 24-year-old Napoli player suffered the injury in Scotland’s final World Cup warm-up game and will head back to his club to start rehab.

Gilmour was a key figure in Scotland’s qualifying run and was lined up for a major role at the tournament before the injury.

“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.”

Scotland kick off their first World Cup since 1998 against Haiti on June 13, then take on Morocco and Brazil in Group C.

“I ⁠am devastated ‌for Billy because he has been an integral part of our World Cup qualifying campaign,” Scotland manager Steve Clarke said.

“The timing of this injury ⁠is so cruel and we all feel for him.”

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 National Team (@ScotlandNT) May 30, 2026

Gilmour played a big part in Scotland’s qualifying success and was set to be central to their plans at the tournament.

“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.”

Scotland return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 and open against Haiti on June 13, then meet Morocco and Brazil in Group C.