Scotland are set to return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1998, opening their Group C campaign against Haiti before renewing rivalries with Morocco and Brazil. With that long absence in mind, many fans will find themselves asking: who was the last Scotland player to score at a World Cup?

Erin Cuthbert's moment of note

The answer depends on whether you include the women's game. Scotland's women appeared at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, where they were placed in an extraordinarily tough group alongside England, Japan, and Argentina.

Already eliminated heading into their final group match, Scotland's women went 3-0 ahead against Argentina — with Erin Cuthbert, then of Chelsea, netting the third. Argentina then produced a remarkable comeback to share the spoils at 3-3, denying Scotland a parting statement.

Craig Burley — the last men's scorer

For those focused on the men's tournament, the clock winds back to France 1998. Scotland concluded that campaign with a 3-0 defeat to Morocco, a result that sealed their elimination — though Norway's simultaneous upset win over Brazil had already made the outcome academic.

The more meaningful moment had come in Scotland's second group match, a 1-1 draw with Norway. Håvard Flo put Norway ahead shortly after half-time, but Craig Burley responded with a composed finish — latching onto a long ball from David Weir and lobbing goalkeeper Frode Grodas with confidence.

That goal, scored in France nearly three decades ago, remains the last World Cup goal scored by a Scotland men's player.

What lies ahead at the 2026 World Cup

Scotland begin their 2026 campaign on Sunday night in the Boston area against Haiti. They then stay in Massachusetts to face Morocco on Friday, June 19, before travelling to Miami Gardens to meet Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil on Wednesday, June 24.

After 28 years, Scotland will be eager to finally add to that tally.