The 2026 World Cup is the first time Scotland will be attending a World Cup since 1998, a staggering 28 years!
In celebration of this momentous occasion, we decided to do some research into North Ayrshire and the World Cup and it turned out quite a few people from the area were part of the historic event.
Some played for Scotland, some spent the tournament on the bench, some played for the USA national team and one even refereed!
We have also included some people from the broader Ayrshire area so you can see just how many people from the region have been at the World Cup. From Kilbirnie to Irvine, Beith to Troon, Ayrshire has been at the World Cup since the very first tournament in 1930.
Click the links below to learn more about them.
Ayrshire Footballers Who Were Part of FIFA World Cup Squads
Roy Aitken
Irvine born footballer, who most famously played for Celtic, making over 600 appearances for the club. Earned 57 caps playing for Scotland at the 1986 and 1990 FIFA World Cups.
Read more HERE.
George Burley
Cumnock born footballer and manager, who was part of the 1982 FIFA World Cup Squad and also went on to manage the Scottish national team in 2008.
Read more HERE.
Steve Clarke
Saltcoats born footballer and manager. He played over 400 games for Chelsea and is the first manager to take Scotland to a FIFA World Cup in the 21st century.
Read more HERE.
Ben Gannon-Doak
Dalry born footballer who plays for Bournemouth and is part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
Read more HERE.
George Hamilton
Irvine born footballer who was part of the 1954 FIFA World Cup squad.
Read more HERE.
Alan McInally
Ayr born footballer who was part of the 1990 FIFA World Cup Squad.
Read more HERE.
Gordon McQueen
Kilbirnie born footballer who was selected for both the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cup Squads.
Read more HERE.
Steve Nicol
Troon born footballer who was in the squad for the 1986 FIFA World Cup.
Read more HERE.
Alex Parker
Irvine born footballer who played for Scotland at the 1958 FIFA World Cup.
Read more HERE.
Jim Stewart
Kilwinning born footballer who was part of the 1974 FIFA World Cup squad.
Read more HERE.
FIFA World Cup Stories
Charles Miller
Charles Miller, whose father was born in Fairlie, is credited with introducing football to Brazil. He died just 5 years before Brazil would win their first FIFA World Cup.
Read more HERE.
Scotland and the 1950 World Cup
The story of how Scotland qualified for the 1950 FIFA World Cup and refused to attend.
Read more HERE.