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Scotland great, 75, mistakenly posted on social media‘Treatment is going well’ says former player and managerSir Kenny Dalglish has revealed he is receiving treatment for cancer. The Liverpool legend, who is 75, confirmed the diagnosis on Tuesday having mistakenly posted about his treatment earlier in the day. Liverpool have said: “The support, best wishes and love of everyone at Liverpool FC are, and will be, with Sir Kenny and his family.”Dalglish wrote: “As my inadvertent social media post has indicated, I am currently undergoing treatment for cancer. Unlike my mobile phone use, the treatment is going well. Ideally, this would have remained private because that’s the way it should be, but my useless technology skills have forced my hand.“Obviously I did not mean to make this matter public so I would appreciate it if the privacy of my family and myself are respected. As ever, thank you to the wonderful medical staff who have shown incredible care and discretion, not just for me but for many, many others. They are a credit to themselves.”Liverpool have also requested privacy for Dalglish as he continues his treatment. The Scot, who started his playing career with Celtic and also managed Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle, is widely considered Liverpool’s greatest player and is the most revered, not only for his outstanding talent as a player and a manager but in how he led the club through the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989.

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In the early stages, Scotland looked to be opting for something different. That is, heading to a major tournament while completely unburdened by expectation. Little Curaçao were embarrassing Steve Clarke and his team. Scottish Football Association big wigs, who handed Clarke a four-year deal in recent days, were shuffling uncomfortably in the plush seats. Excitement was surely raising in Haiti, Scotland’s first World Cup opponents.That Scotland played against 10 men for more than a half must be factored in to analysis of their recovery. Nonetheless, the response was stirring enough to raise optimism among a supporter base who will shortly grace a World Cup for the first time in 28 years. The Tartan Army remained in place to afford Scotland a rousing send-off for the United States. Victory had ultimately proved as comfortable as should have been the case.Scott McTominay, John McGinn, Kieran Tierney, Lewis Ferguson and Ché Adams were notable absentees having only joined up with the squad on Friday. The manager hinted at things to come, especially against Haiti, with the deployment of two strikers. George Hirst joined Lawrence Shankland in attack. The 43-year-old Craig Gordon started ahead of Angus Gunn in goal. Gordon’s international career had appeared over in 2024 as he missed out on the European Championship.There was method in this choice of game for Scotland beyond the expectation (but only that) of victory before a flight to the United States. Curaçao and Haiti are one place apart in the world rankings.The start to the game had been as timid as one could expect from a May friendly until Tahith Chong sent the lively band of Curacao supporters into raptures. Andy Robertson had flashed a ninth-minute drive wide but Scotland were otherwise impotent. Chong punished that, stunning Hampden in the process.The Sheffield United midfielder collected the ball on the halfway line with a majestic first touch which bamboozled Scott McKenna. Next, Chong strode away from McKenna’s central defensive partner John Souttar. In scoring what should rank among the most memorable goals ever scored at this famous old venue, Chong wrong-footed Gordon when inside the penalty area and slammed home. It would be an exaggeration to suggest Curaçao deserved their lead yet Scotland’s ragged approach so close to a major tournament was worthy of punishment. Hirst sought to raise the mood with a header that Eloy Room scrambled away. The natives were restless; audible booing met the first drinks break of the afternoon.Controversy arrived before the break. Jürgen Locadia crazily planted an elbow into the face of Aaron Hickey after the Brentford full-back had cleared the ball. After being urged to take a second look by the video assistant referee, Goga Kikacheishvili correctly issued a red card. Whether Clarke would have chosen to play against 10 men in this context is open to debate.What is undeniable is Scotland did not want what happened next. Billy Gilmour collapsed in a heap after injuring his right knee when playing a routine pass. Gilmour’s demeanour as he left the field inferred his World Cup dream must be in doubt. Ominously, he did not join his team-mates for their post-game lap of honour.This had proved about as grim an opening half as Clarke could have imagined until Findlay Curtis, who replaced Gilmour, drew the hosts level. Curtis swivelled and shot having collected Kenny McLean’s deflected pass.A raft of half-time substitutions included an international debut for Tyler Fletcher, son of former Scotland captain Darren. The midfielder had not been named in the squad, instead one of a number of young players brought in to boost training numbers, with Clarke’s decision to introduce him here therefore intriguing. Fletcher is known to have impressed during sessions in the lead-up to Curaçao.A smart corner routine nudged Scotland in front. Ryan Christie’s eventual cross to the front post was met by Shankland. The 30-year-old notched his fifth Scotland goal with a first-time finish, which Room should have dealt with. Shankland may be lightly raced on the international front but remains Scotland’s most lethal finisher.Shankland was to prove that with just under half an hour to play. This time, the striker – who will join Rangers when the transfer window opens – strode onto a Lyndon Dykes’ lay off and fired beyond Room. Curaçao’s race was run.Shankland was denied the opportunity to complete a hat-trick from the penalty spot, having already been replaced by the time Juriën Gaari wiped out the lively Curtis. Ryan Christie assumed penalty duties, the Bournemouth man sending Room the wrong way. Next stop, the grandest stage of all.

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⚽ Latest updates from 1pm (BST) kick-off at Hampden Park⚽ Scotland: World Cup 2026 team guide | Mail ScottCuraçao have never beaten a European team. On the other hand, Scotland have failed to win any of their last six matches against nations from Concacaf, a dismal run that stretches back to a 4-1 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in 2004. So in that respect, this one’s firmly in the balance. Here, while we’re on the subject, Scotland were the recipient of mucho pelters when they lost to Costa Rica at Italia 90, but let’s be fair, Juan Cayasso’s winner is one of the great under-appreciated goals in World Cup history. What a move! Hey, it’s been 36 years, we can smile about it now.This match is being billed by the wise and highly respected mandarins of the SFA as “The Big Send-Off”. We’ve been here before, of course. Though if a Big Send-Off is once again a precursor to, and karmic guarantee of, a performance like this … Continue reading...

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Andy Robertson (left) and John McGinn are amongst manager Steve Clarke’s go-to men when fit. Photograph: Ben Roberts/Danehouse/Getty ImagesAfter dramatic qualification, an experienced squad could progress beyond the group stage if they beat Haiti in their opening gameThis article is part of the Guardian’s 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a cooperation between some of the best media organisations from the 48 countries who qualified. theguardian.com is running previews from three countries each day in the run-up to the tournament kicking off on 11 June.Scotland qualified for the World Cup in dramatic circumstances that absorbed almost three decades of frustration. This marks a first appearance in the event since 1998 and it was achieved on a spine-tingling Hampden Park occasion when Denmark were eventually vanquished 4-2. Scott McTominay scored with a stunning overhead kick and Kenny McLean wrapped up the win from the halfway line in added-time.The intervening months have proved tricky. Defeats without scoring against Japan and Cote d’Ivoire, added to audible frustration from Steve Clarke over his contractual scenario, seemed to dampen the Tartan Army’s mood. Earlier, there was euphoria. “The number of people that come up to you and just want to shake your hand to say ‘thank you and well done’, it’s pretty special to feel that,” Clarke recalled. “You’re walking through the airport and every second person wants to shake your hand.”Now for the trickier part. Clarke has an ageing squad which is light on goal threat if midfielders – primarily John McGinn and Scott McTominay – do not contribute. The goalkeeping position has been a problem for a concerted spell now. At centre-back, the Scots are adequate rather than strong, having operated with a back three or four. McGinn, McTominay, Andy Robertson and Ché Adams are the manager’s go-to men when fit. Umpteen others have been alongside Clarke for a number of years; this is a Scotland squad high on cap numbers.Clarke is pragmatic in approach but it will be a shock if he does not start with two strikers for game one against Haiti. Victory there and Scotland have a genuine chance of progression from the first round for the first time. There is also a lingering reason for Clarke to at least appear bold; he was castigated by supporters for negative tactics in a must-win match against Hungary at the last Euros.A more defensive style is likely and understandable against Morocco and Brazil, who simply put are better teams than Scotland. Clarke’s team can be useful in such a situation; they are excellently drilled and carry a counterattacking threat.Scotland were in the doldrums, with tournament participation supposedly an unattainable dream, when Steve Clarke took on the position in 2019. History will look very favourably upon the former Chelsea player, given he has taken his nation to three out of four finals. Clarke is rarely expressive in public, which can count against him, but retains huge respect from his squad. He takes a hands-on training-ground approach and has a menacing side which players are acutely aware of. Clarke’s speech to Scotland’s team before that make-or-break qualifying tie against Denmark made a massive impact. “It is up there with the best I have ever heard before a game,” said Andy Robertson.Scott McTominay has evolved from bit-part player at Manchester United to a hero in Naples. He has grown in stature and significance for Scotland while reviving his club career and his overhead kick in the Denmark win is etched in history as one of the finest goals ever witnessed at Hampden Park. Alex McLeish’s second tenure is regarded by many as unmemorable but it was Clarke’s predecessor who convinced this English-born midfielder to declare for Scotland. McLeish’s gift to his nation with that move alone proved a significant one. Scotland rely heavily on McTominay’s gamechanging talent.Ben Gannon-Doak’s switch from Liverpool to Bournemouth has been disrupted by injury but the winger still gets pulses racing among Scottish fans. Gannon-Doak’s directness and pace mean he is different to those alongside him. Clarke has urged caution among media and fans, wanting the 20-year-old to be given space to develop, yet the nature of his game is such that the noise is understandable. Gannon-Doak memorably reduced Josko Gvardiol to a quivering wreck when Scotland faced Croatia in Glasgow. He will absolutely relish the World Cup stage.Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie has quietly established himself as a player with a good Premier League career and is closing in on 75 caps. The midfielder is technically impressive, carries energy and offers a goal threat. Yet the Inverness-born player often seems overlooked when praise is being issued to those within Clarke’s squad. One obvious explanation for that is that two of those routinely deployed alongside him, McTominay and McGinn, are Scotland’s main stars. At 31, this may not be Christie’s last World Cup but it will unquestionably prove the only one of his prime. It would be no shock to see him make valuable contributions.It is no exaggeration to suggest Scotland’s support might outshine the players. The Tartan Army will travel en masse and in fine spirits. They have earned a reputation for their good nature, regardless of results. A World Cup return after 28 years means scores of people who have never sampled this environment before booked up instantly, regardless of whether they were likely to source match tickets. Expect colour, kilts, bagpipes and a level of alcohol consumption that will make an enormous contribution to the GDP of the United States.A little known fact is that 34 of the 45 presidents of the United States have Scottish roots. None, though, are as strong as that of Trump, whose mother was born and raised in the Western Isles. Trump owns golf resorts in Scotland, meaning a continuing connection. The president’s love for Scotland can best be described as an unrequited one but it is surely fair to assume Steve Clarke’s men will be Trump’s second favourite team in the competition. The Tartan Army, meanwhile, make it their business to be non-political. The Scottish FA is closely aligned with Fifa so a protest or noise from Scotland at the World Cup is highly unlikely.

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Manager recalls Rangers tenure fondly before friendlySteve Clarke: Scotland should be qualifing regularlyA smile flashed across the face of Dick Advocaat as he was reminded that, 27 years earlier to the day, he had watched his Rangers team complete a domestic treble at Hampden Park. “I was quite successful in this stadium, so you have to be careful tomorrow,” Advocaat said. Little could anyone have known in 1999 that in 2026 Advocaat would be bringing his World Cup-bound Curaçao to Glasgow for a friendly.During 11 minutes on Friday, Advocaat completed a verbal whistle-stop tour of everything from Martin O’Neill’s return to Celtic to his World Cup ambitions. At 78, it is remarkable to see Advocaat in this scenario. Reflections on the past in this city were inevitable. He will become the oldest coach in World Cup history when Curaçao face Germany on 14 June.“I don’t care because I don’t feel that age,” said the Dutchman with typical bluntness. “I have definitely changed a lot. There are things that normally under me would not be possible that are possible. That has to do with the squad – they are paid amateurs and you can see it. You have to change sometimes. At the highest level you cannot change; you have to be sharp and clear so that everybody knows what they have to do. But we did what we had to do to become members of this World Cup.”Curacao, ranked 82nd in the world, will feature in North America as Italy look on from afar. “We are not the favourites, we know this when we start,” Advocaat said. “But people who aren’t favourites can surprise. Today, you can even go on [to the next round] with two or three points.”This marks another kind of return for Advocaat. He was in charge as Curaçao sealed their World Cup berth but resigned in February owing to a family health matter he is unwilling to discuss. Advocaat was reappointed this month.“I was the coach who qualified with the team,” Advocaat said. “Something happened at home, which was the reason that I stopped. I could come back and start again. That gives me a good feeling, to be a part of this tournament will be something special.“I didn’t expect to be playing against Scotland with Curaçao so that is a surprise. The goal was to qualify for the Gold Cup a year ago and we did it. From that moment on, they started believing even more. It is a very hard-working team. Besides the game they enjoy their life; they are laughing, the music is there and maybe more, but at the games, they do what they do.“You must have a little bit of luck that people still want you at this age. If they don’t ask any more, you are finished. I still get the phone calls, which makes it difficult to refuse. I have already said so many times I will quit. Then someone calls me. I think: ‘So they are still interested …’ And then I go. Normally, [after the World Cup] I will stop.”Last December, Advocaat pursued Steve Clarke vigorously at the World Cup draw when seeking this game. “I remember when I was the manager of Holland and we had a game like this against Ireland, before we went to wherever,” Advocaat said, in apparent reference to a 1-0 defeat immediately before Euro 2004. “We lost. These kind of things can happen. If you are realistic, Scotland has the better players but you can have surprises.”As Advocaat winds down, Clarke has other thoughts. This week the Scotland manager signed a contract that will extend his tenure until the 2030 World Cup. Upcoming participation in the 2026 version seems to have stoked Clarke’s desire. “We should be qualifying regularly for tournaments,” he said. “That is not to say we won’t miss one now and again. A country of our size, there is the difficulty now with qualifying for tournaments. But to make sure we don’t have long gaps between tournaments. If we miss one, OK, but make sure we are at the next one.”Clarke had returned to Scotland’s team base as Advocaat reappeared at the scene of former triumphs. “I remember [former Rangers chair] David Murray, with the president of Celtic, tried to be involved in the English league,” Advocaat said. “Not to start at the top but in the fourth division. They [the English clubs] were scared to do that so they refused. I still think that was a great idea. It will never happen. Celtic and Rangers are so big it is unbelievable – not everybody realises that.” Nowadays, Advocaat spreads the gospel of a tiny Caribbean nation.