Football - FA Premier League - Liverpool FC v Tottenham Hotspur FC LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 27, 2025: Liverpool s L-R Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz celebrate after winning the League Title after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 5-1. Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda LIVERPOOL Anfield MERSEYSIDE ENGLAND Imago Images
Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon has confirmed the national squad had planned to wear kilts ahead of their World Cup opener, only for captain Andy Robertson to overrule the idea.
Robertson instead opted for modern suits over crisp white t-shirts when the squad arrived at the stadium in Boston.
Gordon made the revelation while sitting down with Findlay Curtis, the youngest member of Steve Clarke’s squad, to watch footage of Scotland’s last World Cup appearance.
That previous appearance came at France 98, when Gordon was just 15 years old and a full eight years before Curtis was even born.
As Gordon talked Curtis through the opening game against Brazil, he recalled how Craig Brown’s squad had arrived in Paris wearing full kilts for the occasion.
Gordon confirmed the current crop had discussed replicating that iconic moment some 28 years later ahead of the Group C opener against Haiti.
“I remember Scotland turning up with their kilts on for the opening ceremony,” Gordon told Curtis on BBC Scotland, reflecting on that famous France 98 arrival.
Curtis responded enthusiastically, saying: “I wish we’d done that, eh?” before Gordon dropped the revelation about Robertson’s involvement.
Gordon confirmed the plan had been seriously considered, saying: “We were going to do it, we were talking about it. Robbo said no.”
Given the significant heat experienced across the United States this summer, Robertson’s decision to go with suits may well have been the most practical call.
The mercury is expected to climb even higher ahead of Friday’s showdown with Morocco, which is scheduled to kick off three hours earlier than the Haiti opener.
Scotland’s return to the World Cup stage after a 28-year absence has captured enormous public attention both at home and among the travelling support in North America.
Gordon acknowledged the weight of that wait during the conversation with Curtis, saying: “Back then it was fairly regular that we would make World Cups. 28 years is a long time.”
The kilt moment remains a cherished part of Scottish football folklore, and many supporters would clearly have welcomed the tribute to that famous France 98 image.
About the Author
