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Scotland’s near three-decade exile from the World Cup will finally come to an end this summer after securing qualification with an unforgettable 4-2 win over Denmark late last year.
While it was Scott McTominay who took the headlines for his jaw-dropping overhead kick to score the opener, Steve Clarke’s side had several heroes throughout their qualification campaign, with youngsters such as Lennon Miller and Ben Gannon-Doak also playing key roles in helping Scotland finally achieve their World Cup dream.
With several up-and-coming young Scottish talents now plying their trade at some of Europe’s biggest clubs, the Tartan Army are wondering who will be next to emerge from the youth set-up and lay their claim for inclusion in Scotland’s senior side.
Here are the 18 Scottish teenage talents we’re tipping to make an impact in 2026:
9. Findlay Curtis - Rangers
Still just 19, the Rangers youngster has been regularly included in the matchday squad at Ibrox, having made his first-team breakthrough as second-half substitute against Manchester United in the Europa League last season. He's scored three career goals for his boyhood club already, including a cracker in the Champions League playoffs against Panathinaikos earlier this season. Expected to join Kilmarnock on loan this month, Curtis will only improve with regular game time. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
10. Aidan Borland - Swindon Town (loan)
The 18-year-old Aston Villa midfielder moved to Swindon on a loan deal until the end of the season at the beginning of January. He has already made an impression at the County Ground, earning praise for his ability to dictate play following the recent 2-1 win over Luton Town in EFL League One. The former Celtic academy talent made a big impression on his senior debut for Villa in the Carabao Cup last season, with one fan describing his style of play as similar to Croatian icon Luka Modric. High praise indeed. | Getty Images
11. Gabriel Forsyth - Norwich City
The attacking midfielder had a breakthrough season at Carrow Road last year following his arrival from Hamilton in the summer of 2023. However, his progress has been hindered by a knee injury, which restricted him to just two appearances this season. Set to return in the next few weeks, though, Forsyth is a technically gifted playmaker who likes to score goals, create chances, and also provides good set-piece delivery. | Getty Images
12. Ethan Sutherland - Wolverhampton Wanderers
Emerging at St Mirren after spending time in the club's academy, he made his senior debut for the club aged just 16 in a 1-0 loss against Montrose almost three years ago. Signed by Wolves in the summer for a reported fee of £200,000, the imposing 6ft Scot has shone in the English Premier League 2 for the Molineux side this season, scoring four goals in just eight games from left wing-back. | Wolves via Getty Images