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Scotland’s build-up to the 2026 World Cup has taken a major hit after key midfielder Billy Gilmour was ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury.

The 24-year-old sustained the injury during Scotland’s 4-1 win over Curacao at Hampden Park on Saturday. Gilmour went down on the pitch without any contact and immediately signalled for medical attention.

Although he was able to walk off unassisted after receiving treatment and being substituted before half-time, initial optimism that the injury was minor was dashed after medical assessments confirmed he would not recover in time for the tournament, which kicks off in two weeks.

Gilmour will return to his club side, Napoli, to begin his rehabilitation process.

The Scotland National Team confirmed the news through an official statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “We regret to announce that the knee injury sustained by Billy Gilmour in today’s win over Curacao will rule him out of participation in @FIFAWorldCup.

“We're all with you, Billy.”

Gilmour had been named in manager Steve Clarke’s 26-man squad and was expected to play a central role in Scotland’s campaign, partnering his Napoli teammate Scott McTominay in midfield.

Speaking after the announcement, Clarke expressed his disappointment, saying: “I am devastated for Billy because he has been an integral part of our World Cup qualifying campaign. The timing of this injury is so, so cruel and we all feel for him.

“He knows what we all think of him as a footballer and a person and while no words will give him any comfort tonight, I am certain Billy will have many major tournaments ahead of him in the future.”

Scotland will now face Bolivia in a warm-up match on June 6 before opening their World Cup campaign against Haiti in Boston on June 14.