- Billy Gilmour ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a knee injury
- Injury suffered during Scotland’s 4-1 win over Curacao
- Former Brighton midfielder replaced by Tyler Fletcher
Former Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Billy Gilmour has been ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a knee injury while representing Scotland.
The 24-year-old was forced off during Scotland’s 4-1 World Cup warm-up victory against Curacao at Hampden Park. He collapsed to the ground in the first half with no opposition player nearby.
Scans conducted after the match confirmed the injury is serious enough to end Gilmour’s tournament before it has even begun.
Scotland confirm devastating World Cup blow
The Scottish FA confirmed the news in an official statement following further assessment.
“We regret to announce that the knee injury sustained by Billy Gilmour in today’s win over Curacao will rule him out of participation in FIFA World Cup 2026.”
Gilmour will now return to Italian champions Napoli to begin his rehabilitation programme.
Scotland have moved quickly to replace him, calling up Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher. The 19-year-old had already been training with Steve Clarke’s squad and made his senior international debut after replacing Gilmour against Curacao.
Scotland begin their World Cup campaign against Haiti on 14 June.
Steve Clarke reacts to Gilmour setback
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke admitted the timing of the injury was particularly cruel given Gilmour’s importance throughout qualification.
“I am devastated for Billy because he has been an integral part of our World Cup qualifying campaign,” Clarke said.
He added: “The timing of this injury is so, so cruel and we all feel for him.
“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.”
Gilmour had been expected to play a significant role in Scotland’s first World Cup appearance since 1998. He was likely to start in midfield alongside fellow former Premier League talent Scott McTominay.
READ MORE: Brighton trio included in Netherlands World Cup squad – Read Brighton
From Brighton breakthrough to World Cup heartbreak
Although now playing for Napoli, Gilmour remains a familiar figure to Brighton supporters following his two-year spell on the south coast.
The Scotland international joined Brighton from Chelsea in 2022 and gradually established himself as an important part of Roberto De Zerbi’s squad.
He featured prominently during Brighton’s historic 2022/23 campaign, helping the Seagulls qualify for Europe for the first time in the club’s history.
Gilmour also started Brighton’s first-ever European fixture against AEK Athens during the club’s Europa League campaign before moving to Napoli. Now, however, the midfielder faces a frustrating summer on the sidelines.
With Scotland preparing to fly to the United States for the tournament, Gilmour’s focus will instead turn towards recovery. He begins rehabilitation on the injury that has cruelly denied him the chance to play at football’s biggest competition.
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