Scotland's squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 includes seven players who were not born on Scottish soil — a reminder that international recruitment can be a far more complex business than it appears.

Manager Steve Clarke has cast his net wide to assemble a 26-man group. Of those, 19 were born in Scotland, while the remaining seven came into the world elsewhere — in some cases, very much elsewhere.

Queensland to Hampden: the case of Lyndon Dykes

The most geographically remarkable story belongs to striker Lyndon Dykes. Born in Queensland, Australia, to Scottish parents, Dykes was raised on the other side of the world before moving to Scotland in 2014 to join Queen of the South. He has since become one of the most recognisable forwards in the national setup.

Isle of Man's most famous footballer

Defender Kieran Tierney holds another distinction: he was born in Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man, though he relocated to Scotland before his first birthday. By any measure, Tierney is the most celebrated footballer that island has ever produced.

Five players born in England

The other five Scotland internationals born outside the country arrived from south of the border. Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay was born in Lancaster and grew up in the Manchester United academy system. Before his Scotland debut in 2018, questions lingered over which nation he might choose to represent.

Tyler Fletcher, aged 19, is another English-born player of note. His father, Darren Fletcher, was playing for Manchester United at the time of his birth. Tyler was called into the squad as a late replacement for Billy Gilmour — who, by contrast, was born in Ayrshire and raised in Ardrossan — after Gilmour picked up an injury.

Che Adams, born in Leicester, and George Hirst, born in Sheffield, complete the outfield contingent of English-born players. Hirst's father, David, represented England on three occasions. Goalkeeper Angus Gunn was born in Norwich; his father, Bryan Gunn, was a proud Scot who made his name in English football.

Scotland's ability to look beyond their borders for eligible players reflects a broader trend across international football at FIFA World Cup 2026 — one that continues to provoke debate among supporters and administrators alike.