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Manchester United will have another representative at the 2026 World Cup in North America, as Tyler Fletcher has earned a late inclusion in Scotland’s 26-member squad.

The 19-year-old midfielder was quickly drafted into Steve Clarke’s setup after Napoli star Billy Gilmour suffered a serious knee injury during Scotland’s 4-1 friendly victory over Curacao.

Although Gilmour’s setback is a major loss for the Scottish side, it has paved the way for a landmark opportunity for Fletcher. Only a week ago, the young talent was among several emerging players invited to train with the senior team for experience. He later came off the bench at half-time against Curacao to mark his senior international debut.

Manager Steve Clarke decided to elevate the teenager above several more experienced standby players, completing a remarkable rise for Fletcher in a short span.

Fletcher made his Manchester United first-team debut against Tottenham Hotspur in February and was recently honoured with the club’s Denzil Haroun Reserve-Team Player of the Year award.

This selection carries special emotional significance for Scottish football. Tyler is the son of former Manchester United midfielder and long-time Scotland captain Darren Fletcher, who earned 80 caps for his country but never had the chance to play in a World Cup.

With Scotland returning to the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998, Tyler now has an opportunity to fulfil the dream that his father could not realise.

Scotland face a challenging campaign in North America, having been drawn in Group C alongside Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil. For Fletcher, the group stage will present a chance to test himself against some of the world’s top footballers, including his soon-to-depart United teammate Casemiro.

What began as a simple training call-up has transformed into a golden ticket to football’s grandest stage.