Scotland captain Andy Robertson has described his place in Steve Clarke's 26-man World Cup squad as a "huge pinch yourself moment," even as the country's most experienced players prepare to make history at FIFA World Cup 2026.

The squad departed for the United States on Sunday, seen off by the Tartan Army at Glasgow Airport, marking Scotland's first World Cup appearance since 1998 — a wait of nearly three decades. Robertson was just 4 years old the last time his country graced the tournament.

Before competitive action begins, Scotland face Bolivia in New Jersey on Saturday in a final warm-up fixture, before setting up camp at their training base in North Carolina.

A moment Robertson refused to let himself imagine

Robertson is set to lead Scotland out in their Group A opener against Haiti in Boston on June 14, followed by clashes with Morocco and Brazil — both of the latter fixtures taking place at the Gillette Stadium and in Miami respectively.

Despite being widely expected to captain the side, the left-back confessed he had kept his emotions in check throughout the build-up.

"Me actually walking out on the pitch the first game? I've not allowed my brain to go there yet. I just don't like getting too far ahead. I think I'll then live in that moment when I know it's the night before and I know it's the day of the game," Robertson told Sky Sports News.

The 32-year-old, Scotland's second-most-capped player behind Sir Kenny Dalglish, also recalled sending a message to a close group chat of teammates when the squad was confirmed.

"I was just like 'who would have thought we would all be going to the World Cup together when we're all playing as little kids and chasing after each other as 11 and 12 year olds?' And it was a real moment of sense of achievement because it's not easy to get to a World Cup," he said.

Dark times make this moment sweeter

Robertson reflected on the turbulent journey Scotland have endured in the years since France 1998, acknowledging that the pain of near-misses and disappointments has strengthened the squad's bond.

"We've had some dark times, we've had some dark moments. In a Scotland jersey, the lows are the lowest that you'll have and the highs are the highest you'll ever have with your country because you know you're representing a nation. But I think that's why our squad is so close and such a good group of lads because if you look at everyone's story, all of them are pretty similar."

Scotland's opening group match against Haiti kicks off at 2am UK time on June 14, with Morocco and Brazil to follow in what promises to be the most demanding group stage the nation has ever faced.

Scotland's World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers).

Defenders: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al Etiffaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Dom Hyam (Wrexham), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (TBC), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic).

Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), Tyler Fletcher (Manchester United), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich), Scott McTominay (Napoli).

Forwards: Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Charlton Athletic), George Hirst (Ipswich), Lawrence Shankland (Rangers), Ross Stewart (Southampton).