Craig Gordon and Findlay Curtis watched footage of Scotland's 1998 World Cup campaign ahead of the team's opener against Haiti, with the veteran keeper confirming that Andy Robertson rejected plans for the squad to arrive in kilts
Ross Pilcher Digital Sports Journalist
19:32, 16 Jun 2026Updated 19:41, 16 Jun 2026
Andy Robertson vetoed Scotland's plan to wear kilts at the World Cup
Andy Robertson vetoed Scotland's plan to wear kilts at the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
Craig Gordon has disclosed that Scotland had intended to wear kilts before the team's World Cup curtain-raiser against Haiti.
But Scotland captain Andy Robertson, who completed a free transfer from Liverpool to Tottenham before leading his country to a famous 1-0 win against Haiti, vetoed the plan. The experienced goalkeeper joined Findlay Curtis, the youngest player in Steve Clarke's squad, to review clips from Scotland's previous World Cup appearance.
That was at France 98 — when Gordon was 15 and eight years before Curtis was even born. While Gordon walked Curtis through the opening match against Brazil, he recalled how Craig Brown's side had arrived in Paris sporting full kilts.
Gordon then revealed that the present squad had considered doing likewise in Boston. Yet Robertson chose contemporary suits worn over crisp white t-shirts for the stadium arrival instead.
"Back then, it was fairly regular that we would make World Cups," Gordon told Curtis on BBC Scotland. "28 years is a long time. I remember Scotland turning up with their kilts on for the opening ceremony."
Curtis then admitted: "I wish we'd done that, eh?"
Scotland's players wore kilts in 1998
Scotland's players wore kilts in 1998(Image: Getty Images)
And Gordon replied: "We were going to do it, we were talking about it. Robbo said no."
Considering the sweltering conditions in the States this summer, the skipper's call was likely sensible. The temperature is expected to climb even further for Friday's clash with Morocco, which kicks off three hours earlier than the Group C fixture against Haiti.
Speaking after Scotland's win against Haiti, Robertson told BBC Scotland: "What an amazing feeling. The lads achieved their dreams today. It was such a long day waiting, I can't imagine what the fans back home were like staying up so late.
"The fact we managed to walk out on to the pitch and sing the national anthem together, it was so special. To then go and follow it up with a win, it doesn't get much better than that.
"Three important points. People expected us to win, but we had to go out and do it. It was so important to win that game, and I'm glad we did it.
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"The biggest thing was when we scored, we didn't look like conceding, and that has to be a credit to every single player out there that defended for their lives.
"We worked so well from a defensive point of view, and when you're 1-0 up, that's what you need.
"It's the World Cup, it's the biggest stage. People get nervous near the end, but we felt pretty relaxed on the pitch."