With the 2026 World Cup just weeks away, the usual preseason gossip about fitness drills and the transfer merry-go-round is taking a back seat. This summer, the real story is across the Atlantic. Scotland is back on the world stage, and for the Rangers support, seeing John Souttar and Liam Kelly in the mix gives this tournament a massive Ibrox feel. They aren’t just going for the experience; they are carrying the reputation of the club into some of the biggest arenas in America.
Let’s be honest: representing the blue side of Glasgow on the international stage is a different level of pressure, but these three have the minerals for it. Souttar’s journey alone is legendary, battling back from injury hell to become a defensive rock. Then you have Liam Kelly, whose steady hand is exactly why Steve Clarke keeps him on speed dial. Lastly Findlay Curtis is ready for his maiden bow at this level. If Scotland is going to lay a glove on anyone in Group C, our boys will be at the heart of the fight.
Foxborough Flashpoint: The Opening Test at Gillette Stadium
The real work starts in Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium on June 14th. Facing Haiti might look like a gentle opener on paper, but in a tournament this size, it’s a total pressure cooker. Usually, this place is the fortress of the New England Patriots, but for 90 minutes, it’ll be a sea of blue. Let’s be blunt, Scotland has zero room for a slip-up here. This is a must-win game if Clarke’s men want to set the tone and actually stand a chance in Group C.
For John Souttar, this is his moment to really step up and dominate. We know he’s capable of that ability to drive out from the back and pick a pass, which is exactly what Scotland will need if Haiti decides to sit deep and play for a draw. Rangers’ fans have seen him do it time and again on those massive European nights at Ibrox. He needs to bring that same “no-nonsense” composure to the Foxborough pitch and prove he’s the man for the big occasion.
Staying Put in Massachusetts for the Morocco Clash
Scotland won’t be moving far for their second match, as they face Morocco back at Gillette Stadium on June 20th. Avoiding a long-haul flight between these two opening games is a huge win for the squad’s recovery.
By the time this one kicks off, the group standings will be on everyone’s mind. Supporters keeping an eye on the World Cup betting markets know Morocco is a dangerous outfit, but a steady performance from the backline could be the difference. This is where the maturity of players like Liam Kelly comes into play; whether he’s between the sticks or supporting from the bench, that Ibrox winning mentality is vital in the dressing room.
The Charlotte Base Camp: Preparing for Battle
While the matches take place in the big stadiums, the squad will be living and breathing the tournament at their training base in Charlotte, North Carolina. Using the facilities of Charlotte FC, this is where the hard tactical work is done. Curtis will be aware of what is needed in the last third here.
It’s about more than just fitness; it’s about focus. Clarke has built a squad that relies on discipline, a trait both Souttar and Kelly have in abundance. Seeing them represent the club in these world-class facilities in Charlotte and across the US is a massive point of pride for everyone at Rangers.
Looking Toward the Knockouts
The final group game on June 24th at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium is the one every Rangers fan has circled. Facing Brazil in the brutal Florida humidity is a world away from the SPFL, and it’s the ultimate litmus test for John Souttar.
Squaring up against elite Brazilian forwards on this massive stage will define his career. If he maintains that Govan-bred composure under such intense pressure, it proves he belongs at the absolute top level. It’s a huge task, but exactly where we want to see our players.