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Former Gunner wins the league & gets World Cup call-up

Former Arsenal player Kieran Tierney has had an excellent week, winning the Scottish Premiership before receiving a World Cup call-up with Scotland.

Kieran Tierney in a Celtic kit shoots at goal
Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images

Former Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney was involved in a title decider with Celtic against Hearts over the weekend, playing 73 minutes as his team won 3-1 to secure the Scottish Premiership title.

But the players’ celebrations were interrupted on Tuesday, as Scotland announced their 26-man World Cup squad.

Tierney made the cut, and he can now look forward to featuring in the tournament for the first time in his career. The 28-year-old has made four European Championship appearances across two tournaments, but none at the World Cup.

Scotland's Kieran Tierney passes the ball during the international friendly football match between Scotland and Finland, at Hampden Park in Glasgow, on June 7, 2024. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images

Tierney’s first opportunity to play at a World Cup was in 2018, but Scotland missed out on the tournament after finishing eight points behind group winners England.

In 2022, Scotland finished four points off group winners Denmark and made it into the play-offs, but they were defeated by Ukraine and missed out once again.

At the third time of asking, Scotland won their group (ahead of Denmark) to qualify for the 2026 tournament. The full squad list is below.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 19: Celtic player Kieran Tierney iin action during the pre-season friendly match between Celtic and Newcastle United at Celtic Park on July 19, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

It’s hardly surprising that Tierney is in the squad, after a busy campaign as a regular for Celtic. The left-back has shaken off his old injury concerns to play 52 times in all competitions, scoring six goals and assisting another 12.

Scotland will face Haiti in their opening game on June 13th, before playing Morocco on June 19th, and Brazil on June 24th. The top-two teams in each group guarantee progression to the knockout stages, with the third-place team also having a chance to progress.

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