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GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MAY 30: Billy Gilmour of Scotland leaves the pitch with an injury during the international friendly match between Scotland and Curacao at Hampden Park on May 30, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour has officially been ruled out of the Scotland squad for the 2026 World Cup after sustaining an injury in today’s friendly against Curacao.
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There were concerns when the player went down just before half-time in the 4-1 victory, though it was reassuring to see him walk off without limping particularly heavily.
However, manager Steve Clarke said that he had gone for a scan on his knee and that medical staff were worried he might miss out on the tournament.
Gilmour injury ends World Cup dream
The Scottish football federation released a statement this evening confirming that Gilmour had been diagnosed with a knee injury that would rule him out of participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
He will return to Napoli to start rehabilitation and hope to be ready for pre-season in Serie A.
“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,” said Clarke.
“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.”
The player had a lot of injury problems already this season, making just 20 appearances and scoring one goal, but was ruled out from November 2025 to February 2026 due to groin surgery.
Gilmour turns 25 next month and will spend his birthday watching his Scotland teammates play in the World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico.
The former Brighton and Hove Albion player joined Napoli in 2024, winning the Serie A title and the Supercoppa Italiana in his two seasons at the Stadio Maradona.
