International lineups, stats and previews, TV channel, live streaming and match predictions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Scotland manager Steve Clarke had just ended his playing career with Chelsea when his country qualified for the 1998 World Cup, marking their last appearance in the finals before the defender returned them to the competition by beating Denmark last November.
Clarke has some reason to be excited ahead of Scotland’s semi-final at Hampden Park against Curacao on Saturday, having signed a new deal on Thursday to stay in charge until 2030.
“It will be good for the fans to send us off,” Clarke told the Scottish FA. “We want to win. The most important thing is no injuries and minutes for many players who may need to get minutes for their legs.
“Maybe there will be a few substitutions and changes throughout the game, but I will try to use the majority of the team.”
The third-bottom team in the finals, Curacao finished ahead of Jamaica to win their qualifying group and will have the oldest coach in World Cup history in the experienced Dick Advocaat.
Miami FC’s Jurgen Locadia played for Advocaat at the striker’s first club, PSV, before signing for then-record signing Brighton & Hove Albion and playing for the likes of Hoffenheim and Bochum.
“It’s very special,” said the 32-year-old, who scored three goals in the Premier League, speaking to VoetbalPrimeur and added that the hopes of the World Cup final “are starting to sink”.
“[Advocaat] you are often angry with me. We have a good relationship and you know what you get from me. Now he can help me and support us and the younger players.”
In their first final, Curacao’s tough group includes four-time champions Germany, Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
Not just s𝙦uad 𝙐𝙖𝙖𝙖𝙖𝙞𝙞𝙤𝙞𝙤…
Perfect vibe. 🇨🇼🎬🎶See you at @fifaworldcup! #TheBlueWave #Curaçao pic.twitter.com/ozNEHFLAE5
— Curacao National Football Team (@TheBlueWaveFFK) May 18, 2026
2026 World Cup Friendly: Scotland v Curacao team news
Middlesbrough striker Tommy Conway will miss the World Cup with an ankle problem but Southampton striker Ross Stewart could play for Scotland for the first time since 2022, due to a serious injury between his last internationals and January this year.
Clarke hopes Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon, 43, will remain fit for Scotland’s campaign, which begins with games against Haiti, Morocco and Brazil, having returned this month from a long-term shoulder injury.
Alongside Locadia, Curacao’s squad has many players who may be familiar to Scotland and England fans.
Captain Leandro Bacuna’s previous clubs include Aston Villa, Reading, Cardiff City and Watford. Sontje Hansen is a defender for Boro, Tahith Chong is a midfielder for Sheffield United and Ar’jany Martha is a defender for Rotherham United.
Full-back Joshua Brenet was playing for Livingston, midfielder Gervane Kastaneer was on loan with Hearts from former club Coventry City and full-back Kenji Gorre was a newcomer to Swansea City.
