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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:
13. Callan McKenna - AFC Bournemouth
The 19-year-old goalkeeper has already been included in the Scotland senior set-up, having been drafted into the squad for the friendly with Liechtenstein last summer. Gaining attention as a 16-year-old debutant with Queen's Park, McKenna was prized away from Scotland by AFC Bournemouth in early 2024, where he has impressed enough to be awarded a new long-term contract at the Vitality Stadium. Likened to former Scotland international David Marshall by former teammate Dom Thomas, he has been tipped for a promising future by the Cherries' hierarchy. | SNS Group / SFA
14. Alfie Hutchison - Newcastle United
Captured by the Magpies in the summer, the 16-year-old was chased by several clubs across the border after an impressive debut campaign for Rangers' under-19 side, where he had been playing three age groups higher, and tipped for future stardom. | SNS Group
15. Luca Ross - Motherwell
Having produced the likes of Scotland internationals Lennon Miller and David Turnbull in recent years, the Motherwell talent factory looks to have found another gem in their ranks. Having spent a season on loan at Annan Athletic last year, the right-winger has been introduced to the Fir Park first team, where he has made sporadic appearances off the bench in recent weeks. Ross has a big year ahead under Jens Berthel Askou. | SNS Group
16. Joseph Haney - Celtic
Named on the bench for Celtic's 2-0 Scottish Cup win over Auchinleck Talbot at the weekend, the 16-year-old is predominantly a left-back, but is also able to play on the wing, or even in central midfield. Signing his first professional contract in the summer, the Scotland youth international has impressed behind the scenes and will be hoping for some first-team involvement in the second half of the season. | SNS Group