Scotland v Belarus 2026 FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qualifiers Andy Robertson of Scotland during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Group C match at Hampden Park, Glasgow UK Newspapers OUT Copyright: xFredxPalmerx FIL-22351-0159
Scotland’s newest World Cup squad member Tyler Fletcher has admitted the call-up came so fast he didn’t even have time to pack his boots.
The 19-year-old Manchester United prodigy was named as the replacement for Billy Gilmour, who suffered a heartbreaking injury during the match against Curacao.
Fletcher had spent the previous week as a training player before playing the second half at Hampden against the Caribbean minnows, putting himself in Steve Clarke’s thoughts.
Clarke dropped a hint to Fletcher in the dressing room after the match, telling him it might not be the last time he would see him on the trip.
Fletcher then attended his aunt’s wedding that same evening, staying overnight in Glasgow before the life-changing phone call arrived the following morning.
“The next morning I got a call at about 8 o’clock and it was: ‘Do you want to go to the World Cup?'” Fletcher recalled.
“I was speechless. Then obviously I said yes!” he added, describing the frantic scramble to reach Blythswood Square and board the bus to Glasgow airport.
The teenager rushed to the hotel with virtually nothing prepared, leaving behind even the most essential piece of equipment for a professional footballer.
“I’ve got no boots. I’m getting those sent over today,” he said, adding that despite the chaos he feels ready to compete at the highest level.
Fletcher’s father Darren, who earned 80 caps and captained Scotland during his own distinguished career, was equally stunned by the speed of his son’s rise to the World Cup stage.
“He was like ‘my whole career I didn’t go to a Euros or a World Cup and you’ve done it after 45 minutes of football!'” Fletcher explained with clear delight.
The elder Fletcher is set to travel out to support his son, with Tyler confirming his dad is “coming out for every game” after expressing how proud and excited he is for the youngster.
Fletcher also credited teammates for helping him settle quickly into the Scotland camp, singling out a familiar face from his club career.
“I knew Scott (McTominay) from United and he’s helped me a lot,” Fletcher said, before offering special praise for another squad member.
“Kenny McLean’s been unbelievable with me. A top guy and honestly one of the best players I’ve ever trained with. He’s so good,” Fletcher added, describing the overall squad environment as brilliant.
The teenager, who never imagined a World Cup appearance was possible just seven days ago, acknowledged the challenge ahead while expressing quiet confidence in his own ability to contribute.
“It’s a good level, it’s a tough challenge and the heat’s hard to train in, but I’m comfortable and I feel like I’m ready to go and play,” he said.
“But to get to the World Cup a week after training is something I never thought of and it’s just a dream come true,” Fletcher concluded.
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