Craig Gordon has opened up about the belief that his chance to represent Scotland at a World Cup had slipped away — making his place in the squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 all the more remarkable.

The veteran goalkeeper, now 43 years old, has described the feeling of qualifying as a fantastic one, acknowledging that the tournament had seemed beyond his reach for a long time. Gordon's inclusion makes him the oldest player at the World Cup.

A career-defining moment

Gordon has spent his career as one of Scotland's most dependable figures between the posts, but the World Cup — the game's greatest stage — had always proved elusive. Scotland's long absence from the tournament meant every qualifying campaign felt like a final chance.

Now, with Scotland having secured their place in the 2026 edition, Gordon can look back on those years of near-misses with a sense of hard-earned relief. The sense of occasion is not lost on him — he has spoken openly about how close he came to never experiencing this moment.

For a goalkeeper who has battled back from serious injury across a career spanning more than two decades, reaching a World Cup at 43 carries a weight that younger squad members may not fully appreciate.

The oldest in the tournament

Gordon's age makes his achievement stand out even on the global stage. As the oldest player at the World Cup, he carries Scotland's hopes in goal with the experience and composure that only a career of his length can produce.

The achievement will resonate deeply with Scottish fans who have waited decades to see their nation compete at football's most celebrated tournament.