FIFA news: Ewan McGregor stars in inspirational Scotland announcement

World Cup 2026 Weekly news. We will bring you the latest from around the world as we countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Scotland’s squad announcement for the nation’s first World Cup appearance since 1998 is certainly one to watch.

The inspirational, emotional and goosebump-inducing piece features actor Ewan McGregor who opens with the line: “Our Scotland, you’ve always been an easy country to love.”

A montage of lush Scottish countryside interwoven with cityscapes including bagpipes, stadiums, a ‘Tierney’s Toasties’ board, and various Scotland shirts and jackets ensues.

The Scots are selling hope.

“After 28 long summers the world will finally hear your voice again,” McGregor said.

The film ends with some Scottish Clydesdales galloping in slow motion on a beach as the squad rolls over the top accompanied by house music.

Class.

Watch it below:

As for the Scottish squad itself, Steve Clarke has named 43-year-old goalkeeper Craig Gordon among his 26 players to head to North America.

Liverpool’s Andy Robertson and Celtic’s Kieran Tierney feature in defence, Napoli star Scott McTominay is the big name in midfield and Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland is among the five attackers named.

Scotland plays Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in Group C.

Brazil makes shock Neymar call

Neymar has been recalled to the Brazil squad despite the fact he last graced the turf for Seleção in 2023.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti has made the decision to reinstate the nation's all-time leading scorer ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 34-year-old Santos forward has dealt with several injuries in recent times, denying him the chance to play at international level through Brazil's qualifying campaign.

But he has been included at the expense of Chelsea's João Pedro who is a major omission from Ancelotti's squad.

"We evaluated Neymar throughout the year and noticed that recently he has been playing consistently and has improved his physical condition," Ancelotti told Reuters recently.

"He has the same role and responsibilities as everyone else, but he is an experienced player. It's true that in some positions we prioritised experience."

SEN football expert and former Socceroo Mark Bosnich was surprised when he saw that João Pedro had been left out, but can see why veteran Neymar has been included.

“I was shocked when I saw that to be honest,” Bosnich said on SEN’s Gloves Off.

“I can understand the Neymar selection. We all know about his attributes as a player and as a senior member.

“The sentiment in Brazil is that they wanted him to be picked. That’s understandable, he’s got great experience, he’ll be great for team spirit and morale.

“But also he needs to be able to do the job. You don’t just want to get someone who is a great cheerleader then all of a sudden you say, ‘Can you play?’, and they go put their boots on and fall over.

“He will be able to do a job. There’s no way Ancelotti would have taken him.

“I’m nearly falling off my chair about João Pedro. Wow!

“On his day at the moment he is one of the best players in the world. He did a wonderful job as the lone ranger in the system that Calum McFarlane set up for Chelsea against Manchester City.

“No injury? Just left out? Wow.”

Brazil 2026 FIFA World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Weverton (Gremio)

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ibañez (Al-Ahli), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (Roma)

Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo)

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luis Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinícius Jr (Real Madrid)

Neuer backflips on retirement

In massive news in Germany, Manuel Neuer is set to backflip on his international retirement.

Sky Sports in Germany is reporting that Julian Nagelsmann is set to sensationally recall the gloveman for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Considered one of the nation's top few keepers in history, Neuer retired from the international scene after the 2024 Euros.

But the Bayern Munich captain, now 40, looks likely to return for Die Mannschaft with their World Cup squad to be named later this week.