Scotland manager Steve Clarke has flown to the United States for a final scouting mission as he searches for a top-class training base ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. With the tournament just five months away, Clarke is determined to secure elite facilities and hotel accommodations for the national squad during the summer finals.
The Scots kick off their World Cup campaign with group-stage matches against Haiti and Morocco at Gillette Stadium near Boston on June 14 and June 19, before facing a star-studded Brazil side in Miami on June 24. Originally, Clarke aimed to set up camp near Boston for the first two games, but FIFA’s suggested venues did not meet Scotland’s requirements.
Among the options under consideration is a brand-new £100 million training facility being built by the New York Red Bulls in New Jersey. However, larger nations such as Brazil are likely to secure that state-of-the-art base. Clarke is also evaluating a potential camp in Charlotte, North Carolina, although this would require flights to the match venues. Florida is another option, offering a hot-weather training camp ahead of the tournament.
In preparation for the World Cup, Scotland are set to finalize several friendly fixtures. Plans include a clash against Japan at Hampden in March and a game against Ivory Coast at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium. In June, two final send-off matches are expected: one against Curacao at Hampden and another against Peru in the USA just before the tournament begins.
Clarke is also focused on selecting his final squad. Fans are particularly eager to see Harvey Barnes included. The winger, capped once by England in a friendly, has been in exceptional form for Newcastle this season. Barnes scored a dramatic last-minute winner in Newcastle’s 4-3 victory over Leeds and has netted nine goals across all competitions this season. Clarke has indicated he plans to assess Barnes ahead of the March friendlies.
With meticulous planning underway, Clarke’s trip highlights Scotland’s serious intent to be fully prepared for their first World Cup appearance since 1998. Fans will be watching closely as training bases and squad selections are finalised in the coming months.
Stay tuned for more updates on Scotland national team news and World Cup preparations.
