Andy Robertson to Honor Diogo Jota's Memory at 2026 World Cup

Andy Robertson, Scotland's captain and former Liverpool star who recently transferred from the club, has expressed his intention to play in the 2026 World Cup in tribute to his late teammate Diogo Jota.

The Liverpool legend and close friend of the late Portuguese forward disclosed that he received a message from Jota's widow ahead of the tournament.

Following Scotland's qualification for the World Cup last November, Robertson said his thoughts immediately turned to Jota, who died at the age of 28 in a car accident in July 2025.

On Monday, Robertson shared the letter from Diogo Jota's wife, Rute Cardoso, as part of FIFA's "Messages That Unite" campaign.

The letter read: "Diogo spoke about you often, about the friendship you built, the battles you fought together, the challenges, the laughter, the conversations about football and dreams."

It continued: "The World Cup was one of those dreams you both worked on with the same passion you showed on the pitch."

Rute Cardoso added: "When I heard your words and understood what you felt on the day Scotland qualified for the World Cup after many years of waiting, I realized that Diogo had not truly left the field. At the moment Scotland secured its place in the World Cup, you will not go alone—you will carry his dream with you as well."

After reading the message, Robertson stated that Jota would be in his thoughts as he leads Scotland in their first World Cup appearance in 28 years.

He added, "I am not playing just for myself; I am playing for both of us."

Robertson, who recently joined Tottenham after a legendary spell with Liverpool, will start Scotland's World Cup campaign in Group C against Haiti in Boston on June 13, followed by matches against Morocco and Brazil.