Scotland captain Andrew Robertson is heading into the 2026 World Cup carrying the memory of his late friend and former Liverpool teammate, Diogo Jota. Following Jota’s death in a car crash last July at age 28, his widow, Rute Cardoso, sent a letter to Robertson via FIFA, urging him to take Jota’s unfulfilled World Cup dream onto the pitch. Robertson, who recently transferred to Tottenham, has pledged to play for both of them throughout the tournament.
How is Andrew Robertson honoring Diogo Jota at the World Cup?
Robertson is honoring his late friend by keeping his memory at the forefront of his performance during the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026. In a letter published by FIFA, Rute Cardoso told the Scotland captain that while she watched Scotland qualify in November, she realized that Jota “never truly left the pitch.” She encouraged Robertson to “cherish that dream” and live it for both of them. Robertson has publicly responded, stating he will carry Jota in his heart throughout every match and beyond, acknowledging that he is playing for both of them.
Diogo Jota won 49 caps for Portugal but never played in a World Cup tournament. He missed the 2022 edition due to a calf injury before his death in July 2025.
What is the significance of the Scotland and Portugal connection?
The bond between Robertson and Jota was forged during their time as teammates at Liverpool. According to Robertson, the pair spoke frequently about their shared ambition of playing in the World Cup. Both players had previously missed out on the tournament—Jota with Portugal and Robertson with Scotland—which created a deep, personal connection between them. When Scotland secured their qualification in November, Robertson remarked, “We spoke so much about going to the World Cup… I know he’ll be smiling over me today.”
What lies ahead for Scotland in the tournament?
Scotland is making its first World Cup appearance since 1998. The team has been drawn into Group C, where they face a demanding schedule. According to the tournament fixtures, Scotland plays Haiti on Sunday, followed by a match against Morocco on June 19, and a final group stage game against Brazil on June 24. Robertson, now playing for Tottenham after leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, expects the tournament to be “full of emotion” as he carries these memories onto the field.
Pro Tips: Managing Emotional Pressure in Elite Sports
- Find your “why”: Like Robertson, elite athletes often perform best when they connect their physical efforts to a deeper, personal purpose or tribute.
- Communicate openly: Sharing personal challenges with teammates or through public platforms can help process grief while maintaining focus on competitive goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Diogo Jota?
Diogo Jota was a professional footballer who earned 49 caps for Portugal and played for Liverpool. He passed away in July 2025 at the age of 28 following a car accident.
Is Andrew Robertson still playing for Liverpool?
No, Robertson left Liverpool at the end of the season and has since joined Tottenham.
When is Scotland’s first game of the 2026 World Cup?
Scotland plays Haiti on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
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